Sustainable Transportation Habits: Walking, Biking, Carpooling, and More
Have you been thinking about incorporating more sustainable transportation habits into your routine? Here at Zetta Green, we believe that every little thing we can do to support the sustainability movement is a step in the right direction. If you'd like to learn more about how you can incorporate some of these simple changes into your daily life, look no further!
In this blog post, we'll be outlining a list of sustainable transportation habits from easiest to most difficult.
1) Walking or biking: If it's not raining or snowing outside (so cross those fingers), walking or biking are two of the easiest ways to get from point A to B without using any gas and emitting zero emissions. It's cheap, it's fun, and it beats sitting in traffic. Here are some suggestions on how you can incorporate more walking or biking into your day-to-day life:
If you live close to work, try biking or walking to work every once in a while! You can even try taking your lunch break or two for a short walk around your neighborhood. Studies have shown that just 15 minutes of daily exercise makes you happier and reduces stress levels while helping you live longer. Take a look at this article for more information on the health benefits of walking .
Try alternating between driving and biking/walking to nearby destinations (like the grocery store) to help reduce energy consumption and emissions. Let's say you're going to the grocery store to get milk. Rather than driving, bike the short distance or walk it if it's short. Or let's say you're going to the store for eggs and bread. Biking or walking would be a much smarter choice because it reduces the amount of gas used per trip, and emissions produced during car trips are way higher than those produced by walking/biking. Also, biking/walking is incredibly fun! It saves time, makes you healthier and happier, and is a money saver as well!
2) Carpooling: Carpooling is almost like having your own personal driver with no cost or hassle involved. There are a number of websites out there where people post rideshare opportunities. For example, Blablacar is a website that connects people who want to share rides with others. You can also search for carpooling options on Craigslist and other sites. Here are some tips on carpooling:
If you know someone in your area who drives a similar time as you, ask them if they would be interested in sharing a ride with you to work or school. You might be surprised at what happens!
Carpooling is pretty common in Europe , so if you're planning on going over there anytime soon, check out our blog post about the European Carpooling Network .
, so if you're planning on going over there anytime soon, check out our blog post about the European . If you have a car and are interested in carpooling, you can make money driving others anywhere they need to go! Check out something like uber or Lyft for more information.
3) Train or bus: Taking public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint because trains and busses run on electricity and emit zero emissions. On average, it takes about 12 gallons of gas to produce one gallon of diesel. Not only that – one gallon of gas produces 19 pounds of global warming emissions! You can also help make your city more sustainable by taking public transportation rather than driving yourself. Here are some tips for riding the bus or train:
Planning on taking the train? Check out Amtrak's trip planner to find the best routes between your city and your destination. You can also try the National Transportation Map , which can help you figure out what transportation options are available in your area.
to find the best routes between your city and your destination. You can also try the , which can help you figure out what transportation options are available in your area. If you're using a bus system, check out their website or app to see where they go and how much it costs to ride. You can also check out bus routes on the National Transportation Map .
. Make sure you check your train/bus schedule before you leave to make sure it's not too late to catch the next bus/train to work or school!
If taking public transportation, know where to go and how much time you have before catching your next ride so that you don't have a problem getting on time. Time is money!
4) Carpooling: Driving with someone else in your car helps reduces emissions because cars emit less when they're full (even if just by one person). If driving is a necessity for you, consider carpooling with someone who lives nearby. You can also carpool with people who are going the same way you are by looking for rideshare opportunities on Blablacar , Craigslist , or other websites. Here are some tips for carpooling:
If you're looking to carpool with someone, check out sites like Blablacar and try searching for rideshare opportunities .
and try searching for . If you're going to a certain place at a certain time, have them check in with you so that if they have to wait they know it's okay! Also, be sure to send them the directions (just in case they don't have an app with them).
If you're interested in making business partnerships, check out sites like rideshare-jobs.com and swapmyride.com .
and . Before getting into the car with someone you don't know, be sure to get in touch with them ahead of time so that they know who you are. Also, if possible, try to meet at the car so that you can see each other before getting in. If not, look them over from a distance and pay attention to what kind of car they drive (does it look newer or older?), how they dress (are they wearing casual clothes or do they look nice?), and whether or not they seem friendly. You can also look up their car registration information through the state website to make sure that there's no problem with their license or insurance.
5) Walking: Can't get a ride between you and your destination? Then walk! It doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, or sunny – walking gets the job done! 10,000 steps every day could reduce emissions by 10 tons per year (25,000 miles)! There are a lot of benefits from walking – here are some:
Be sure to find out the shortest route so that you don't waste time. The National Transportation Map will help you find the fastest routes in your area.
will help you find the fastest routes in your area. Walking is fun because you can get to know your surroundings better, see more of them, and it's healthier for you than driving.
If it gets really hot out, try walking with a friend so that you can have a companion!
Walking can help save a lot of money because it costs less to drive your car than to buy gas and maintain your vehicle. If you walk everywhere, try finding ways to sell or donate your car. You could also save money on gas by biking or taking public transportation!
Conclusion: Taking the bus or train is one way people are helping make their city more sustainable.
Conclusion: Taking the bus or train is one way people are helping make their city more sustainable. There are many ways you can help protect the environment by reducing emissions and benefiting your lungs! Researching, experimenting, and finding solutions to your specific needs is how you can do the most good in your area.
Some tips for taking the bus or train:
Make sure you check your train/bus schedule before you leave to make sure it's not too late to catch the next bus/train to work or school!
If taking public transportation, plan ahead so that you know where you're going, what time it is, and whether or not there is a parking spot available for your vehicle.