Traffic congestion alone costs America’s economy approximately $78 billion. Transportation in America produces more carbon dioxide emissions than any other country in the world except China. Studies have found that, bus travel is 79% safer than driving your own vehicle. In addition, sedentary, car-dependent lifestyles contribute to health problems from lack of exercise.
Changing our commute patterns can decrease America’s effect on global climate change. Roads dominated by vehicles can be reclaimed and put to better uses. We can improve air quality at the same time as we build a sense of community cohesion. We should give people more reason to walk in their neighborhoods. Here are five ways you can play an important role in reducing the traffic jams and air pollution.
Carpool
Joining a carpool to work can lessen the carbon footprint by reducing the number of cars on the road. Fill the three empty seats in our car with new friends and go to your work place together. Carpooling helps you save money by not driving your car as often, and you may possibly qualify for employee benefits. Parents can set up carpools to take kids to school and activities.
Use Public Transit
Scale up from the carpool and take public transportation. Most metropolitan areas have comfortable, convenient public transport systems available,. Train systems are thought to be the most efficient of the mass transit systems, as they carry a large number of passengers at one time. In addition they also use less fuel than other transport like buses. Buses are also a good option, especially ones using bio-diesel or other eco-friendly alternative fuels.
If public transit is available, get a monthly pass. It will help you to make your commute more cost-effective. Monthly passes and smart cards let you avoid buying tickets every day. Many times, commutes are easier and faster by bus or other mass transit options than sitting in a traffic jam, and you can have pleasure of reading newspaper on your way to work.
Public transit isn’t just for the daily commute, though. You can use Google Maps to arrange multiple errands on your local public transportation system. Alternatively, many mass transit system websites have trip planners that allow you to plan the most efficient route between multiple stops.
Motivate Children to Walk
Try to inculcate the habit of walking wherever it is feasible. You can walk down to nearby market place with kids and pets rather than using a car. You can easily get children used to the idea of commuting with their legs while they’re young.
Use Bikes
Bikes can be really helpful and prove to be good for your health. They are great connector between transportation modes. You can use them easily if distance is less than a mile. Get a foldable bike that you can carry anywhere. You can even carry them in public transport system. All you need to do is to learn the rules of the roads. Get a helmet and stay safe. Do not forget to have lights so that drivers can see you.
Work from Home
If possible, work from home. Working from home for even a single day can reduce your transportation-based pollution emissions by a significant level. Countless software applications–such as Skype, Google Applications and IM–can keep you connected with your office, boss and co-workers even if they are all working remotely.
Source-http://www.greendivamom.com/author/savneet/
