Looking for ways to be more eco-friendly? Trade your car keys for a bus pass. In addition to taking public transportation, consider these ideas that can help you take that first big step toward a greener, more sustainable commute.
Eco-Friendly App for Commuters
The app, Waze, can come in handy during your morning commute. The app shows the quickest routes from home to work while warning drivers of road hazards. This app can also help reduce emissions that are caused by cars. The average driver spends 42 hours in traffic each year, according to onEarth.
During this time cars are continuously burning fossil fuels and emitting carbon dioxide, which contributes to our country’s carbon footprint. With the Waze app, you can view real-time traffic conditions, avoid bumper-to-bumper freeways, save on fuel costs and reduce your own carbon footprint on your daily commute to the office.
Green Commuting 101
According to data reported by Nature.org, 75 percent of Americans get to work by driving solo. Although ridesharing and other methods of commuting to work are growing in popularity, there is still a lot of work to be done. Green commuting includes carpooling, telecommuting, taking mass transit, and human-powered commuting like walking or riding a bicycle.
Jon Fisher, a bike commuter writing for Nature.org, cites that taking public transportation can help commuters save up to $800 each year. If you’re skeptical about taking public transit or biking to work, consider tallying up your commuting expenses. You might be surprised to see the amount of money you’re spending on gas!
Changes Across the County
A recent report from the nonprofit consumer group Calpirg ranks Los Angeles within the top five cities for high-tech transportation innovation, as reported by LA Weekly. The City of Angels has long been known for its dependence on cars and its horrible rush-hour traffic. However, things are changing in the Southern California city.
LA’s thriving light rail system, bike coalition and ride-share systems — like ZimRide, for example — have transformed the city into a much more sustainable community. Eco enthusiasts who want to live in a bustling city that prides itself on green ideas and technology may want to consider moving to Los Angeles. Helpful resources like Rent.com provide in-depth apartment, townhome, condo and home listings.
Walkability Score
While living in popular areas of town might cost more when it comes to rental prices, consider that these highly desired areas are much more walkable with restaurants, schools, shops and offices nearby. This means less time behind the wheel. The walk score is a measurement — a number from zero to 100 — to indicate how easy it is to get around the neighborhood without a car. Neighborhoods that score between 90 and 100 are considered a walker’s paradise. Whereas places with a score below 49 are generally car-dependent. See where your neighborhood ranks by visiting WalkScore.com
Content courtesy of SocialMonsters. Feature image courtesy of Bob Jenkin.