8 Ways to Make Your Daily Commute More Sustainable

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If you’re looking for ways to make your daily commute more sustainable, you’re in luck. There are several easy and effective ways to do so. From carpooling to taking public transit to biking or walking, there are plenty of options. Here are eight of the best:

 

Carpooling

Carpooling is one of the easiest ways to make your daily commute more sustainable. When you carpool, you reduce the number of vehicles on the road, reducing traffic and emissions.

Carpooling also helps you slash money on gas. If you can find one or two other people who live near you and work similar hours, carpooling is a great option for making your daily commute more sustainable.

 

Public Transit

Public transit is another great option for making your daily commute more sustainable. When you take public transit, you again reduce the number of vehicles on the road and help cut down on traffic and emissions. Public transportation is often less expensive than driving, so it’s a great way to save money. If you have the option of taking public transit, it’s worth considering.

 

Biking or Walking

biking to work

If your workplace is close enough, biking or walking is another excellent option for making your daily commute more sustainable. Biking or walking eliminates the need for a vehicle altogether and is also great exercise. 

Biking or walking to work is a great way to start your day off on the right foot and get some exercise in at the same time. And the benefits don’t stop there. Countries with strong biking cultures, such as the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, etc., also seem to rank higher on the happiness and wellness index.

Both forms of this sustainable commute method provide a free or low-cost way to get some exercise. They are both low-impact activities, easy on the joints, and excellent for people across ages.

Related:
A Roundup of Greener Ways to Exercise

 

Telecommuting

If possible, telecommuting is another excellent option for making your daily commute more sustainable. When you telecommute, you eliminate the need to commute altogether! 

Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to technological advances that have made it easier than ever to work from home. If you have the option to telecommute even just one or two days per week, try it. It’s probably a more sustainable option for you and the planet in the long run.

Related:
It’s Friday – So Why Not Work From Home? It’s Good For the Environment!

 

Follow green driving habits

There are several green driving habits that can help to save fuel and reduce emissions. One is to avoid unnecessary idling. When you’re stopped in traffic or parked, turn off the engine rather than letting it idle. Idling uses fuel needlessly and emits pollutants into the air. 

Second,  keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase drag and require more fuel to keep the vehicle moving. Also, get regular tune-ups for your vehicle. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and produces fewer emissions. 

Finally, try to combine errands into one trip instead of making several small trips. It saves you time and money while reducing your carbon footprint.

Related:
5 Simple Changes to Your Driving Habits That Can Save Money and the Environment

 

Use Eco-friendly products

From the type of motor oil you use to the cleaning supplies you keep in your car, there are many ways to make your commute more sustainable by using better products for the environment. You can even find environmentally friendly tires these days.

 

Avoid rush hour

rush hour traffic

If at all possible, try to avoid commuting during peak traffic times. This will help reduce emissions from all the extra cars on the road and help you avoid stress and wasted time sitting in traffic. Plan your route ahead of time and leave a few minutes early so you’re not rushed.

 

Get involved in advocacy

If you’re looking for more ways to make a bigger impact, consider getting involved in advocacy efforts to improve public transit options or promote walkable/bikeable communities. The more people speak up about the need for sustainable commute options, the more likely we will see positive change.

 

Conclusion:

These are some of the many easy ways to make your daily commute more sustainable. From carpooling to taking public transit to biking or walking, there are plenty of options. By making even just one small change, you can help make a big difference in sustainability. So why not give one of these options a try today?

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