Cut Carbon Emissions-Don't Drive!

A big way to reduce your carbon footprint is to cut back on driving. Walking and riding a bike is a fun way to do so! There are so many benefits to walking from monetary to health and the same goes for biking. I love biking, so naturally I'm a big advocate for it. Here are just a few reasons in case you're anti-bike (for some odd reason):

• Biking has virtually NO carbon footprint
• Biking is the most energy efficient form of transportation
• Healthy exercise
• Time efficient
• Fun!
• Stress-reducer
• Muscle tone
• Save money
• Low impact on the body and the environment
• Reduce air, water, and noise pollution
• Enjoy the beauty of the world

One gallon of gasoline produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide and the average car emits about six tons of carbon dioxide every year compared to 0 carbon dioxide emitted by bikes.

But if you don't own or have access to a bicycle, public transportation is another great alternative. Benefits of public transportation:

• Save money. According to the American Automobile Association, the estimated cost of driving a single-occupant vehicle is between $4,826 (for a small car) and $9,685 (for a large car), depending upon mileage. By contrast, the annual average cost for public transportation for one adult ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending upon mileage, time of day, type of vehicle or service.
• Promote clean air. Each year, public transportation use avoids the emission of more than 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons, a primary cause of smog, and 156 million pounds of nitrogen oxides, which can cause respiratory disease
• Reduce energy consumption. A person who commutes 60 miles each way daily could save an estimated 1,888 gallons of gasoline every year by switching from using a car to using public transportation.
• Stimulate economic development. A transit coalition report, “Dollars & Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America,” found that every dollar taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 or more in economic returns.

Cutting back on driving has been extremely easy since I don't have a car here. But in addition to that I've been trying to walk as much as possible, the walk to and through campus is especially nice. When I can't walk riding my bike is the next option, then comes public transportation for longer distances, and last is resorting to being driven by one of my housemates if all else fails.