Toronto, ON – April 21, 2011 – Toyota Canada is issuing a special challenge to fans and followers to “Live Green”. Launching during Earth Week, Toyota Canada is asking if you would commit to one small change to make things better for the environment – one small change from many can make all the difference.

A “Live Green” tab has been added to the Toyota Canada Facebook page, giving people a chance to demonstrate how they will make things better for the planet. During Canadian Environment Week in early June, Toyota Canada will announce the net environmental impact of these actions. Beginning on April 22, Earth Day, visitors to the Toyota Canada Facebook page will be able to select one to six small commitments from a list of simple actions that can reduce their environmental footprint. The six actions include:

• Properly inflate your tires – this can improve fuel economy by 3.3 per cent

• Remove unnecessary items that add weight to your car – carrying an extra 100 pounds reduces mileage by two per cent

• Decrease your speed – Slowing from 120 to 100 km/h reduces fuel consumption by 20 per cent

• Unplug household electronics that are not in use – Up to 10 per cent of household electricity is consumed by electronics and appliances that are on standby
 

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – Can save approximately 18 L of water per person per day

• Replace five incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-labeled compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs – Can save about $30 per year

“Pledging to make one small change really can make a big difference,” said Stephen Beatty, Chief Environmental Officer and Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “This is our way of encouraging everyone in Canada to do their part to make things better. We hope to show just how positive and large an effect one small commitment from many people can truly make.”

Associates at Toyota Canada operations across the country are participating in programs to help make a difference, such as eWaste donation days and local ravine clean up efforts.