Celebrate Earth Day by Rethinking the Way We Move
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Every Earth Day, we are reminded of how amazing and fragile our planet is. April 22nd is not just a day for planting trees or picking up litter, although those activities are important, too. It's an ideal time to think about the bigger picture. One of the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint is by changing how we commute to and from work.
Let's discuss commuting and how shifting our habits can make a significant difference for the planet.
1. Pedal Power: Cycling
Biking isn't just for weekend warriors. Choosing a bicycle reduces emissions and traffic congestion and promotes physical health. Biking to work is an easy way to build exercise into your daily routine, no gym membership required. Just 30 minutes of cycling daily can improve cardiovascular health, elevate mood, and help maintain a healthy weight. With more cities investing in protected bike lanes and bike-share programs, switching gears from driving to biking is more convenient than ever.
Try this: Challenge your team or employees to bike commute one day a week—or more.
2. Public Transit: The Unsung Hero
Subways, buses, and trains move more people with less energy per person than individual cars. Choosing public transit over solo driving reduces emissions and traffic congestion. Getting to and from transit stops also means more daily steps and movement. Studies show that transit riders often walk more, which can lead to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and even viral infections.
Bonus benefit: Transit time allows for reading, listening to podcasts, or simply unwinding between destinations.
3. Walk More, Drive Less
Walking is the ultimate low-impact, zero-emissions transportation. It's free, healthy, and provides time to be present in your surroundings. Walking for short trips contributes to cleaner air and calmer, safer streets.
Start small: Walk for errands under a mile or encourage walking meetings with coworkers.
4. Try a Smarter Commute
Looking for a smart solution that offers sustainable and cost-effective commuting options? Programs like easy commute by The Rideshare Company are built for businesses, universities, and assisted living facilities seeking to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, improve employee satisfaction, and support environmental goals.
Offering alternate commute options can help your organization reduce costs, conserve resources, and enhance employee satisfaction. By encouraging shared transportation choices, your company can significantly cut down on transportation-related emissions while fostering collaboration among team members.
Plan ahead: Employer commute programs like easy commute can help businesses meet sustainability benchmarks and offer attractive transportation benefits to employees.
Why it Matters
Transportation is one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that it's also one of the most changeable. Choosing alternatives to solo car travel, whether walking, biking, taking transit, or joining a vanpool—creates a ripple effect that benefits public health, workplace morale, and the environment.
This Earth Day, make a conscious shift in how you or your organization moves through the world.
Let's Move Toward a Greener Future
Since 1980, The Rideshare Company has been committed to reducing single-occupancy vehicle use and improving air quality. Through our easy commute program, we provide and shared transportation solutions for employers across all sectors.
Whether you're organizing a vanpool program for employees, supporting commuter wellness, or seeking ways to reduce operational emissions, these small steps can drive lasting change.
Let's travel smarter this Earth Day for our teams, communities, and the planet.
Celebrate Earth Day by exploring sustainable commuting options. Learn how vanpool programs like Easy Commute by The Rideshare Company help businesses reduce emissions and support employee wellness.
