Written by Caroline Haywood, Four Green Steps

Driving your private vehicle is convenient and comfortable. No doubt about it. But the transportation sector is responsible for approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, the EU and the USA.[1] The good news is that there are a number of alternative, green transport options that are accessible to everyone:

1. Walk: Walking to work, to the gym, to school or to go shopping produces zero greenhouse gas emissions and it’s free. Additionally, it’s a form of incidental exercise – the activities that you undertake in day-to-day life that lead to a healthier you, without requiring hours on the treadmill!

2. Bike: Bicycle commuting is another zero-emission and healthy transportation mode, and is much faster than walking. Just like walking, cycling is very low cost compared to driving; once you’ve purchased your first chariot, repairs and check-ups are a tiny fraction of the cost of vehicles! Check out the cycling paths in your city – you’ll be amazed!

3. Public transport: The quality of public transportation differs widely between cities around the world. However, most modern metropolitan centres are updating their infrastructure and promoting buses, trains, trams and even ferries or water taxies as an accessible and affordable alternative to private vehicle travel. Students in particular can get some great deals on public transport tickets, and may even travel free in some cities!

4. Car pool: Car pooling is a particularly beneficial green transport mode for groups of peers who drive in very similar directions on a regular basis – either to work, school or even sporting games or events. Not only is one full car four times more environmentally friendly than five separate cars on the road, but what a great way to save on petrol and to enjoy lively conversation with friends!

5. Choose your neighbourhood carefully: While this final “green transportation mode” may seem oddly placed, planning where you live is vital to be able to easily and regularly adopt green transportation practices. Nobody should need to go very far out of their way or give up too much comfort to use green transportation modes, if you choose to live in within easy walking or cycling distance to work, shops or schools. Even easier is choosing your neighbourhood based upon its proximity to public transport – choose a house within easy reach of a train service or a frequent bus route, and you’ll have no problems switching to green transportation!

[1] Environment Canada, Regulating Canada’s On-road GHG Emissions, December 2010

European Commission, Reducing Emissions from Transport, January 2011, ;

David L. Greene and Steven E. Plotkin, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from US Transportation, January 2011, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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