Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: How to Travel Green
Our modes of transportation play a crucial role in pollution and our current climate crisis — transport accounts for 20-25% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Take, for instance, the car. Almost every American drives a car at some point in their life. The average American car not only emits methane (a global warming gas), it pumps 300 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from a 15 gallon tank and a cocktail of more than a thousand pollutants. What’s more, the oil harvested in order to make cars and other vehicles function are bad for the environment and can lead to accidents like the 2010 Gulf Oil spill. Here are some ways you can green your travel and help save the environment while also saving your money:
Invest In an Environmentally Friendly Car
Electric cars consume no gasoline, are zero-emission vehicles, and don’t have a tail-pipe emission. The added benefits include that the cost of “refueling” is significantly lower than cars that require gasoline; they reduce noise pollution and can be refueled from the convenience of your own home. Simply put, you save money while saving the environment.
Increase Your Gas Mileage
A higher gas mileage is important for two simple reasons: It saves you money and saves the environment. When hunting for a car, opt for a vehicle with higher gas mileage. If you already have a vehicle, check the tire pressure: under-inflated tires are responsible for nearly 3.3 million gallons of wasted gasoline every day according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To conserve even more, avoid rapid starts and stops and exceeding the speed limit (the U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 16 cents to $1.06 per gallon), check and replace a clogged air filter which can boost efficiency by 10%, and remove the excess junk in your trunk.
Alternative Fuel
Consider alternative fuel such as biodiesel or ethanol for your vehicle. The locally produced biodiesel (made from vegetable oil and animal fats) is a cleaner burning fuel than regular petroleum diesel and ethanol (made from corn, sugars, starches, and grains) reduces the emissions of carbon monoxide.
Walk or Bike for Errands
Consider walking or biking whenever possible. Essentially, not driving is a significant way to save oil and money, and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, as an added bonus you get a healthy workout and increase your fitness. Your changes can be as small as walking to the gym as a ‘warm-up,’ and walking to and from running errands.
Carpool to Work
For those occasions where walking and biking just won’t do, form a carpool. Whether it’s driving to work every day or going to a friend’s housewarming party 40 miles away, commuting with other people is a great way to green your life. Cutting out just 25 miles a week from your driving can save 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide. What’s more, it has been estimated that if the average commuting vehicle carried one extra person then the United States could save 33 million gallons of gas each day!
Opt for Public Transportation
Public transportation (whether it be buses, trains, planes, or ferries and boats) may be inconvenient if you're used to driving, but it certainly help the environment. But even between the modes of public transport, there are some methods that are better than others. For instance, planes are more damaging than automobiles, so opt for a train or bus ride for any trips less than 1000 miles. In addition to saving 885 million of gallons of oil each year, public transit means no more parking hassles.
Telecommute
Whenever possible, opt to telecommute instead of driving far away to an office or flying out to a conference. While telecommuting may not be convenient or practical in all situations, choosing to telecommute can make a significant difference in the environment. Think of all the automobile gas miles and plane rides that can be saved.
