Town of Banff

Pollution Prevention

Pollution Prevention

Some of us choose to pollute our homes, water and air. Unintentionally of course. Many chemical-based cleaning products contain carcinogens and other toxins, and are the leading cause of poor indoor air quality. When flushed down the drain, they enter our water supply. Storm water runoff carries toxins from our streets, driveways sidewalks and gardens into the Bow River and our water supply.

What we can do

• Check out our tips to help prevent storm water pollution.
• Choose eco-friendly cleaning products, labelled as nitrogen and phosphorous free, and avoid known carcinogens to help keep your home clean and healthy.
  
• Make your own household cleaners. The recipes for most household cleaners are safe and easy to prepare. The Eco Kiosk stocks homemade window and glass cleaner. Bring your own container to try some out. It really works.

Although Banff has one of the highest rates of walking commuters in the country, many of us still drive. This vehicle exhaust can contribute to air pollution and global climate change. Luckily, options exist.

Commuting choices in Banff – switching from driving to walking, biking, carpooling or transit will help reduce our carbon emissions.

What we can do

• ROAM, our hybrid bio-diesel public transit service gets you around Banff easily and in style. And it’s tax deductible. Keep your pass and your receipts to claim a deduction on your Canadian federal return. Passes can be purchased at the Town Hall Eco Kiosk.
• Avoid idling. It’s cheaper to restart your vehicle, it doesn’t harm the engine, and it helps the air quality.
• For longer commutes, carpooling shares costs and helps the environment. Even a carpool of two will halve the amount of emissions and number of cars on the road.

What we’ve done
Banff’s ROAM transit system is the first fully hybrid bus system in North America.