Our transportation choices have a huge impact on greenhouse gas emissions, like carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change and ocean acidification. Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and the fourth-largest source worldwide. Seas the Day in March by incorporating alternative methods to get around every day and lowering your reliance on cars — especially if you’re driving alone. Often, greener, cleaner transportation options are also cheaper! Check out the diagram below to see where your current transportation choices fall on the sustainability gradient.
Walk to work/ Bike to brunch
Walking or biking to work, school, a meet-up with friends, or the grocery store is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, get a workout, and enjoy the spring air! Even walking or biking once or twice a week is a great start, and can help you work your way up to making greener commuting part of your everyday routine. If you live in a city but don’t own a bike, check whether your city has a bike sharing program (see a bike-sharing world map here). These programs allow you to pick up a bike at a station and return it at another station near your destination.
Ride the (public transportation) wave
Public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint if you’re unable to walk or bike. In the U.S. alone, public transportation systems reduce carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons every year. That’s equivalent to the energy used by over 3 million U.S. households in a year! In addition to reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and ocean acidification, you’ll have the added benefit of being able to read a book on your commute and not having to worry about parking!
Jump in a (car)pool
Too cold to walk or bike to the grocery store? Live too far from work? Start a carpool with friends, roommates, or coworkers going to the same location. Check out carpoolworld to find carpools for one-time trips or weekly commutes in Canada and the U.S. If you’re a fan of Uber, see if UberPOOL is available in your area: you can split a ride with someone else going in the same direction, saving money and reducing fuel emissions. If you are driving, try to follow these tips for efficient driving. Remember that our actions all add up, and if we don’t make individual lifestyle changes for the good of the planet, the animals, plants, and other life on Earth will have to deal with the consequences.
For World Oceans Day:
- Organize a workplace Green Commute Day (or Week)! You can even incentivize it by providing morning snacks/coffee for those who participate
- Start a Green Commute Challenge: which individual or team can log the greenest miles? The prize could be a monthly bus pass, bike shop gift card, or something entirely unrelated!
How will you seas the day this month?
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Seas the Day! Please use this information as you wish to spread the ocean conservation message. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips!