Unless you live, work and play in a bustling metropolis like New York City or the bike-loving city of Amsterdam, you probably depend on a car for most of your transportation. As we all know, driving and flying contribute to the release of carbon dioxide in the air and global warming. There is a lot that each of us can do to change our transportation habits and transportation footprint, that do not take a huge commitment or require you selling your car.
6 Transportation Habits that make a Difference:
1. Carpool: You may need to adjust your schedule slightly to match a co-worker’s, but if you can be flexible with your schedule, it will mean one less car on the road.
Added benefit: Save gas money and catch up with a friend.
2. Walk or Ride your Bike: Remember how fun riding bike was when you were a kid? Try riding your bike or walking to the grocery store instead of always hopping in your car.
Added benefit: Get some exercise and some exhilarating fresh air!
3. Take the Bus or Train: Depending on where you are, taking the bus or subway instead of driving your own vehicle may be a viable option for you.
Added benefit: Catch up on your reading, check your email, or even put your make-up on!
4. Work from home: Many employers today are becoming more flexible to allow for part-time of full-time telecommuting from home instead of driving long distances to the office.
Added benefit: The time it takes to get to work is reduced to how many steps your home office is from your kitchen’s coffee pot!
5. Keep it local: When you can, try to work and play close to your home instead of driving or flying long distances.
Added benefit: Supporting your local businesses keeps funds within your community.
6. Be Car-Smart: Ensure fuel efficiency with properly inflated tires and good maintenance overall. If you have to purchase a vehicle, consider fuel-efficient models.
Added benefit: Cars that use fuel efficiently mean fewer stops at the gas pump for you.
Reducing your transportation footprint is just part of contributing to a greener earth. Reducing and recycling your waste both at home and at work is another way to keep Mother Earth green.
Which of these six ideas are you doing now? What are you going to implement in the future to reduce your transportation footprint?
