Riding a bicycle, walking, carpooling, combining trips, telecommuting or buying a more efficient car remain some of the most direct ways almost anyone can cut their fossil fuel use and greenhouse emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that by leaving a car at home just two days each week, the average commuter can reduce their annual carbon emissions by 1,590 pounds. Switching from a gas guzzler to a car that gets 32 miles per gallon can reduce carbon emissions by 5,600 pounds per year, according to the EPA.
Of course, there are some immediate and perfectly selfish side benefits to these actions. Bicycling or walking are great for overall health, so long as they are done in a safe manner. It’s also vastly cheaper to walk, ride or carpool than to drive yourself: less gas to buy and less wear and tear on the car. Some people who spend time on a treadmill at a gym might even save themselves time and membership fees by melding their workout with their commute.
Most cities have designated routes for bikers and walkers. If they don’t, there’s nothing stopping any citizen from starting the process. A good place to begin is with local bicycle shop owners, who have a financial incentive to have designated bike routes.
For those who cannot get to their workplace by bike or foot, there is, of course, public transportation. These now include burgeoning Park & Ride systems in exurban areas, trains and buses. All get more bang for their carbon emissions than a person driving alone in a car.
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