How Can Commuters Offset Their Carbon Footprint?

Commuters, by the very meaning of the word, travel frequently and repetitively on work or other activities. They are an excellent choice in terms of a group to focus on in reducing greenhouse gas emissions because they are a large group and most often are traveling to common destinations. It is in finding ways that reduce a groups’ carbon footprint while still accommodating the individuality of the commuter that presents challenges.

The most obvious commuter carbon footprint factor is the daily drive. Millions of cars on the road, often moving slowly due to traffic volume, produce a tremendous amount of greenhouse gasses. Here are several ways in which the total amount of daily drive carbon footprint contribution can be lowered:

Car pool
Use public transportation
Use carbon friendly vehicles
Combine appointment and trips
Keep vehicles maintained

Car Pooling

Multiple people in one vehicle diminishes the carbon footprint right away. For co-workers at the same place, carpooling reduces carbon footprint and splits the cost of the daily drive over multiple people; an excellent selling point to the consumer.

Public Transportation

City buses are an excellent method for commuters in a city or closely located suburb to travel to work and leave their car at home. This puts many commuters on one vehicle and cuts down the carbon footprint. If the bus runs on electricity instead of diesel, that represents an additional carbon footprint reduction.

Commuters with longer travel times to urban centers may be able to take advantage of rail and light rail systems. Trains are a very effective means of moving cargo and commuters relative to the greenhouse gasses emitted during the journey. Many urban centers have dedicated light rail systems, such as subways and elevated trains that can accommodate a variety of travel needs of the commuter.

Carbon Friendly Vehicles

For the more individualistic commuter who wants to drive themselves or needs a vehicle for their daily work, a possibility is replacing their current car with a more carbon friendly vehicle. Current choices range from very fuel efficient gasoline powered cars through hybrid vehicles and even pure electric vehicles. While there are additional up-front costs associated with hybrid and electric vehicles, advances in technology are making these increasingly affordable and carbon friendly driving choices.

Of course, the ultimate carbon friendly vehicle is a bike. Riding a bike not only completely eliminates a carbon footprint, but it is good exercise as well. This is an excellent choice for someone who lives in the city. However, it might not be as convenient for those who live in the suburbs.

Combining Appointments and Trips

For commuters who do not participate in the daily drive but are rather traveling workers such as sales representatives and others, there is airline travel to contend with. Even here there are choices that can reduce the carbon footprint. These commuters can manage their schedules and appointments to minimize wasted flights. Scheduling multiple appointments in advance in proximity reduces the need for multiple flights in a short period.

Combining commuting to work and other necessary chores also reduces the commuter carbon footprint. Plan itineraries to include grocery shopping on the way home from work or dropping off dry-cleaning on the way to work. This eliminates the need for multiple drives in the same day and has the added benefit of freeing up time for other tasks.

Vehicle Maintenance

Commuters who drive also can reduce their carbon footprint by ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained. Lack of car maintenance will reduce gas mileage and performance; this leads to more and higher levels of emissions. Maintaining your vehicle extends its life and reduces its gas emissions.

As a large segment of the greenhouse gas sources, commuters can have a large impact on reducing the overall carbon footprint. Carpooling, public transportation and more efficient choices in personal vehicles all contribute to reducing the commuter carbon footprint and setting the tone for overall reduction in greenhouse gasses.