How To Reduce Emissions
In 1997, transportation sources contributed approximately 31 percent of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion - or 460.4 million metric tons of carbon - in the United States.1
Since transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gases (industry is the largest), our personal transportation decisions have an effect on our global environment. We can make significant reductions in our emissions without drastically changing our way of life. Here are a few simple ways to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from transportation:
- Incorporate your exercise routine into your errand schedule by walking or biking to your next local destination. Forty percent of personal trips are of 2 miles or less.2
- Increase your use of public transportation and ridesharing.
- By planning ahead, you can make one less trip to the grocery store per week or combine errands to decrease the amount of trips taken to errand locations.
- Make local trips with the more efficient vehicle.
- Maintain your vehicle over time. Most automobiles can improve their gas mileage by 6 percent with a minor tune-up. Properly inflated tires can also improve overall fuel efficiency.
- Become involved in community efforts to make your neighborhood more bike and pedestrian friendly.