While it may seem that transit and trees may be topics of two different discussions, they are actually connected by a shared goal. The initiative of green transportation and that of planting trees are rooted in the determination to decrease carbon emissions.
Trees and transit do impact one another quite a bit. The rising goal of creating green urban spaces works together with the push for better and more accessible public transit in cities around the US.
Just in time for Arbor Day this Friday, we’d like to talk about trees, transit, and what they mean to the environment we live in.
Reducing Pollution
Public transit is a major contributor to the fight for cleaner air around the country. Public buses play a major role in decreasing the number of cars on the road, resulting in reduced emissions. The CDC reported that public transportation produces only a fraction of the harmful pollution of single occupancy vehicles: only five percent as much carbon dioxide.
We can compare this to the number one CO2 fighter in the world: trees. Green spaces in urban areas are a rising solution to environmental forces that cause air pollution. Urban trees assist in temperature and humidity reduction, combatting the ozone formation that high air temperate can create. The natural functions of trees that remove air pollutants cannot be overstated in urban areas with bustling streets.
Together, trees and public transit work as a team to create cleaner air in cities and towns.
The Impact of Green Spaces
If we connect public transportation and trees and bring the two together, we would find our cities to be greener, cleaner, and more people-friendly. People who take public transit are found to be heavily exposed to vehicle emissions while waiting for the transportation. Instead of bus stops on the side of a busy road, imagine the positive impact of green spaces. Areas full of trees, native plants, sitting areas, shade, and fresh air would revolutionize what it means to sit at the bus stop in American cities.
This quote from Dr. Cecil Konijnendijk, Professor of Urban Forestry at the University of British Colombia, says it all: “Research shows really clearly that we need nature in our surroundings. We need trees in our streets, plants in our gardens and flowers on our balcony. We need nature as our neighbor all the time.”
It’s Earth Day, the annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection! As a nonprofit in the transportation industry, we want to get right down to business. The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the US at 29%. So, how can we do our part in protecting our planet through our daily commute?
Carpooling, of Course!
Joining a carpool is a simple way to decrease the number of cars on the road. Ridesharing does a lot of good for individuals—Saving people money and reducing traffic, stress, and congested parking lots. It does wonders for environment. Carpool programs around the US reduce carbon emissions from traffic filled streets, lighten the environmental burdens of noise pollution, and lessen the transit industry’s contributions to greenhouse gases. You can even use our commuter savings calculator to see how much money you could save by joining a carpool.
Work From Home
COVID-19 closing businesses has shown us a new way of work-life balance – telecommuting. People have found working from a home office has allowed a new wave of productivity and comfort while on the clock. Working from home takes away the complications of the daily commute and the carbon emissions that naturally come along with it. If teleworking has snuck its way into your lifestyle and it works for you, adapt your work week to your newfound routine as businesses begin to reopen. Work three days in the office and two days at home, or whatever fits your needs. Even cutting down one or two days a week commuting can make a big difference in your carbon footprint!
Practice Self-Awareness
Becoming aware of your own daily usage of energy is a good place to start in creating a greener lifestyle. A first step could be calculating your own carbon footprint, taking note of your impact when it comes to your home, car, and daily transit choices. Understanding and acknowledging your own footprint is a great way to begin to make small changes to live a greener life, beginning with thoughts like: “Maybe I take public transit more. Should I invest in a bike instead of a second vehicle? How much am I spending on parking and gas per month?”
Happy Earth Day!
We’d love to hear how you take our beautiful planet Earth into consideration on your daily commute. Tweet at us and celebrate Earth Day with us on our social medias. Let’s commute green together!
Today on April 14th, we celebrate National Gardening Day! Whether you have a garden of your own, have a friend with a green thumb, or are looking to start one, this day is used to spread the word of the joys and benefits of gardening.
Why Should I Start A Garden?
There is a wide array of benefits to gardening. It can act as a physical activity in a subtle and relaxing way. Working outside in a garden, whether in your yard or a community plot, is a peaceful form of exercise that can build muscle and boost your physical health.
This type of connection to nature is also beneficial to your mental and emotional wellbeing. Spending time outside can lower stress and ease depression, not to mention lower your carbon footprint. This sustainable hobby lessens your dependence on driving to the grocery store, connecting you deeply to the food you eat as you grew it yourself. This creates a sense of pride and nourishes your body and mind in a meaningful way.
Buying seeds to plant is a practical way to eat home grown, organic food for very little money. If you are someone who wishes they could eat healthier for less money, starting a garden is the answer. Besides finances, gardening is a sustainable use of space, whether in your yard or a community garden. Connecting yourself to the land, the cycle of life, and the food you eat is enriching in so many ways.
Get Planting!
There are many resources to beginning a garden online. It may seem daunting to start to grow your own food, but with a little research and beginner supplies, you can do it! Even if you live in an apartment, there are several herbs and vegetables you can plant in a pot on your windowsill.
You may ask: Why should I start a garden? The real question is: Why not?
On the first Wednesday in April, the American Heart Association sponsors National Walking Day. This annual event is meant to motivate people of all ages to get out and walk, and to remind us of the many, many benefits of walking.
What’s the first chore you tackle when spring cleaning? Is it your closet, your kitchen, your garage? Don’t forget about another space that can be easy to leave out of the mix: your car!
Interior Cleaning
If you’re a member of a carpool, you want to make sure your vehicle is a clean space for your coworkers. Especially as we continue to protect ourselves and others against COVID-19, keeping your car disinfected and tidy is an important step to take.
Spring cleaning in your vehicle can start with an in-depth interior wash: Vacuum the floors and seats, dusting your radio and consoles, detail cleaning the small spaces like cupholders, and disinfecting door handles and buttons.
Get Your Windows Squeaky Clean
Winter can take a toll on your windows and mirrors. Sand and salt can be a pain for those who deal with snow where they live. Spray and wipe your windshield, windows, and side-view mirrors with a microfiber cloth. This is also a good time to replace your wipers to make sure they are ready for the April showers to come!
Two Words: Car Wash!
Whether you do it yourself or make your way to the car wash, cleaning your car’s exterior is one of the most important steps to keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition. Washing the car can be a fun activity on a warm day, or a quick errand if you would rather get it professionally done. Be thorough; don’t forget to wash your tires or headlights, and even finish with a wax if you’re up to it.
Let's Get To It!
Spring cleaning is a time to get parts of our daily life back in order after the winter months. Our vehicles play a major role in our day-to-day functions, and a messy car can leave you frazzled. Keeping your car clean is great for any commuter, especially members of a carpool. Who doesn’t love clean car compliments when you pick up a coworker?
