Small Changes to Make Your Commute Eco-Friendly
Are you interested in making your commute more eco-friendly, but aren’t sure where to start?
Fortunately, there are several easy, small changes to make your daily commute more sustainable. Of course, for single-occupancy vehicles, you will make the biggest impact by taking advantage of walking, biking, using public transit, and carpooling. Even if you are already using those environmentally friendly options, however, you can still make some additions to make your routine a little more green!
If you are carpooling, the best way to be eco-friendly is to drive efficiently. Here are some changes you can make to reduce fuel consumption and your carbon footprint (not to mention save money):
Maintain a steady speed. Accelerating and decelerating rapidly can significantly reduce your car's fuel efficiency. If your car has cruise control, use it on longer commutes when possible to maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency.
If you're stuck in traffic, turn off your engine instead of letting it idle. Idling wastes fuel and emits unnecessary carbon dioxide.
Even better, avoid traffic delays by avoiding rush hour whenever possible. In addition to reducing your stress levels, this will help reduce emissions from too many cars on the road.
Properly inflated tires can improve your car's fuel efficiency. Check your car's manual for the recommended tire pressure and inflate your tires to that level.
Lighten your load! The more weight your car carries, the harder it has to work and the more fuel it uses. Remove unnecessary items from your car and ask your fellow carpoolers to be mindful of how much they bring along for the ride.
Plan your route in advance to avoid heavy traffic or long detours. Using a GPS or a traffic app can help you find the most efficient route to your destination.
If you are using any mode of transportation, you can make other changes for a positive impact:
Ask your employer about working from home! It never hurts to ask. Even if a full week at home is impossible, they may be open to a hybrid work week.
Pack your own lunch in reusable containers.
Ditch the one-use plastic water bottles and bring coffee from home in a reusable insulated cup. A full water bottle is especially important if you are biking or walking some distance to work – hydration is key! And a fragrant, warm cup of coffee as you read on the bus is a stress-free way to begin the day.
Before you leave for the day, make it a habit to unplug all your chargers, which will lower the amount of energy your home wastes.
By making just a few small changes to your daily commuting habits, you can help reduce your impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable future.