There is such a huge focus being pushed towards making choices that are better for our planet and the environment. Reusable products are in the limelight, from bottles and coffee cups to straws and fruit bags, and a switch is being made from greenhouse gas producing fuels like oil, to renewable sources like solar and wind. Releasing these gasses into the atmosphere is argued to be the leading cause of global warming and climate change, and transport is one of the largest contributors to this pollution. Using your car to commute by yourself is convenient and easy, but with everyone doing this, emissions are skyrocketing. Here are some alternative choices for your daily commute that are more eco-friendly, and better for your health.
Switch to Electric
Electricity can be created from renewable sources. This means that no emissions are released, and the source of energy will never run out – the wind and sun aren’t going away any time soon. We are seeing more and more electric vehicles cruising down the streets and charging stations popping up in car parks. Electric is definitely one to consider if you’re thinking of buying a new car; they’re suave, swanky and good for the environment, so it’s a win-win. However, they can be expensive. And if you live or work in the city centre, you may not want to be driving a car to commute. Luckily, you can also get electric powered motorbikes and scooters. Equally flashy and eco-friendly, electric bikes are nippy, convenient and a little bit more fun than a car.
Combine Exercise
Being eco-friendly and healthy often go perfectly hand in hand, and your daily commute is no exception to this. If you work a 45-minute drive away from where you live, this may not be the right alternative for you, but if your commute is a little shorter, using a form of exercise to get to work kills two birds with one stone. If it’s within walking distance, walk. If it’s a little farther, pull your bike from the back of the garage and get pedalling. It may mean that you have to get up a little earlier but walking or cycling to work has been found to have a huge positive impact on both physical and mental health, as well as having very little effect on the environment.
Public Transport and Car Sharing
Taking public transport may seem like a bit of a slog, but it’s actually a more eco-friendly way of commuting than driving. Say there are 50 people where you work, and each one of them drives there every day. That’s 50 loads of emissions from 50 different cars. Put them all on one bus or train, and they produce one load of emissions for all 50 people. Alternatively, sharing lifts to work with your colleagues that live close by will reduce your carbon footprint whilst giving you the opportunity to become good friends with the people you work with.
Although driving yourself to work is easy and simple, choosing a more eco-friendly alternative is soon to be the norm. Be the trailblazer in this global environmental movement and be more eco-conscious in how you choose to make your daily commute.
