Did you know that this Friday is National Road Trip Day? To the adventurers who want to see it all, but also reduce their carbon footprint while doing so, this one’s for you. Here’s 3 ways to make your summer road trip more eco-friendly!
Travel Together with Friends
You know how we love our carpools. Road tripping with friends is like a carpool and vacation in one! Instead of driving separate cars and meeting at locations, driving together can make a big impact when it comes to the number of vehicles on the road. Being on a road trip with a group makes it way more fun, too! You can take turns driving, split the cost of gas, and enjoy the open road together in the process.
Leave Nothing Behind but Tire Tracks
It goes without saying, but litterbugs are a no-go on road trips. As you stop at rest areas, scenic overlooks, and destinations along the way, be sure to pick up after yourself. Did you know that in a two-year period, the Washington State Department of Transportation disposed of 6,075 tons of litter from roadsides across the state? While traveling, we like to follow this mantra: Be kind. Leave nothing behind!
Bring Your Bike!
A road trip is equal parts about the journey and the destination. Stopping at local parks, historical markers, national forests, and beaches brings a great opportunity to soak in the world around you. Bringing your bicycle can be the perfect way to get some physical activity in between long stretches of driving. If you don’t have a bike, a trusty pair of hiking boots or walking shoes will get you moving, too.
Let's Hit the Road
Above all, road trips are a lot less impactful than taking a plane ride and, in many circumstances, will save you a ton of money. Just be sure to be mindful on your trip, plan ahead, and drive safely!
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!
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.
The holiday that seems to be about all things green has quite a few traditions that aren’t exactly eco-friendly. St. Patrick’s Day, a beloved celebration of Irish culture, brings us parties, delicious food, and parades each year. But is there a way to make sure we are making this holiday truly green? Here are some tips!
Ditch the Car
If you have plans with friends, consider walking or taking public transit to your destination. This way, you can avoid road congestion, parking frustrations, and above all, the very real risk of drunk driving accidents. The possibility of someone getting behind the wheel after a drink can be avoided altogether with one of these safer and greener modes of transportation.
As much as we all love plastic beaded necklaces and glittery shamrock décor, cutting down on our plastic usage can still be possible on fun holidays like St. Paddy’s Day. Make decorations out of green cloth, ribbon, or fabric, and make a day of it! You can keep the things you make for years to come, and give your home a totally unique look since everything will be made by you. Need some ideas? Here’s a great article!
Stay In!
Eliminate the stress of going out on such a busy holiday – Have a fun night in with your family or friends! Watching movies and eating classic St. Paddy’s dishes can be a memorable and stress-free night. Especially with parades cancelled and many events/locations closed due to the pandemic, a chill night in could be exactly what you need. Not to mention… It’s not even the weekend yet!
As the holiday approaches, be sure to drive safely, and take with you this old Irish blessing: “May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold—and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.”
