Less Gassy

In May 2006, the Government of Canada's Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance announced $867,000 in funding for a hydrogen fuel cell project at YVR, Vancouver's international airport.

The object of this venture is to examine the use of Ballard Power System fuel cells in baggage-tow vehicles and to compare their energy efficiency to the diesel-fueled baggage cart tugs currently going in and out of terminal and service buildings.

It is always encouraging to hear about large-scale, government-supported undertakings that will ultimately help to improve the quality of our air, water, and land. In the meantime, as the rest of us await affordable and efficient options for daily travel, we can be supportive in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our daily commute by

• living closer to work
• using public transit or carpooling
• cycling or walking whenever possible
• driving more fuel-efficient vehicles
• reducing idle time during engine warmup
• turning off the engine during traffic standstills

We're in this together so let's help by reducing the amount of energy we use.