Great Green Idea: Green Living: What Alternatives to Car Transport Can I Use?

What Alternatives to Car Transport Can I Use?

We all know that using a car has a big negative impact on the environment, and yet the comfort and speed which these vehicles offer us make it very difficult to imagine living without one.

Perhaps the first step in looking to cut down on our car use is to fully understand the damage that they do to our planet. First of all, we can see that in the US cars and small trucks are responsible for using up over 15% of the overall energy consumption of the country. About a third of the planet's Carbon Dioxide is believed to be produced by private vehicles and in the case of other pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide this level goes up to over 50%.

These figures don't even take into account the landfill waste caused by old vehicles, the noise pollution, the millions of animals killed every day by cars and the water contamination which they cause. It is clear that looking for an alternative method of transport is necessary, but which one suits you best?

1. Walking: This is a wonderful form of exercise, leaves little or no carbon footprint and lets you see places that you probably wouldn't otherwise fully appreciate when you whizz past them in a vehicle. If you live a long distance from your work then walking every day isn't going to be a viable option, but that doesn't mean that you can't build a bit of healthy walking into your life. The best idea is to consider before every car trip whether driving is really necessary or whether you could just as easily walk.

2. Cycling: If you want a healthy new exercise, and to do your bit for the environment, then this is the option for you. Most people who take up cycling find it to be an addictive hobby and a rewarding way to travel. Getting started with some second hand equipment is easy and if you are lucky enough to live in a city with a good cycle lane network you can get to work or school speedily and enjoyably.

3. Public Transport: This is a serious option for many of us, for at least part of our monthly travelling. The city you live in will make a huge difference to the options you have available to you and modern trams and electric train services are well worth checking out if you have never used them before. If you live far from a station or terminal then consider using your car or better, bicycle, for part of the journey and then hopping on public transport the rest of the way.

4. Green Car: Ok, so if you just can't bear to get rid of your auto then you might like to have a look at electric or hybrids. Huge advances have been made in area in recent year, and while we are left with the feeling that the best is yet to come you could still do a lot worse than reduce the damage you cause to the planet by using one of these.