Despite all efforts to be commute eco-friendly, commuting to and from work daily can throw a wrench in your plans. If being green is your goal, though, there are ways to make your commute a little more eco-friendly. Switching up your transportation mode, shortening your work week and opting for greener routes all can help make the inevitable work commute a little more eco-friendly.
1. Work Flexible Hours
Many companies allow flexible work hours so long as projects and communication don’t suffer. Although the amount of hours you work wouldn’t change, adjusting your schedule can actually be an eco-friendly alternative. Shifting your work hours around will help you avoid commuting during high traffic times, and lower the impact your car has on the environment. If you aren’t sitting idle in traffic, less emissions will be polluting the air, and you’ll be happier too!
2. Use Public Transportation
One of the perks of living in a large city are the public transportation options. If the public bus system or a subway system is a viable option in your town, consider switching your transportation mode.
Public transportation can often be a relaxing way to commute since you don’t personally have to worry about traffic and can even get work done while you ride. Plus, having to leave at a certain time so you don’t miss the bus can help give your routine more structure. Driving your personal vehicle less often will save you money and maintenance, and utilizing public transportation will be more environmentally friendly than if you were to drive.
3. Carpool With Coworkers
If you live in close proximity to some of your coworkers, creating a carpool rotation is one of the easiest ways to make your commute more eco-friendly. You’ll save on gas and maintenance for your vehicle since you will be driving less often. Sharing a ride to work even a few times a week can nearly cut your impact in half. Carpooling is a no-brainer in terms of being more green since you don’t need to adjust your work schedule or transportation mode. Simply get together with coworkers and make the morning commute a breeze!
4. Bike to Work
Commuting via bike is an environmentally friendly and active way to travel to work. If you have the benefit of working in a bike-friendly city or have a short commute, switching from driving to biking can cut down your carbon footprint. If you live in a warmer climate, you could theoretically ride your bike to work the majority of the year, but even if you don’t, a few days of biking can still make a difference. You can even invest in an eco-friendly bike like Greenstar Bikes which are made out of bamboo, one of the most environmentally friendly materials.
5. Work Four Days Instead of Five
Doesn’t everyone want a three day weekend – every weekend? Condensing your work week to four days rather than five lets every weekend last for three days, but also eliminates a day of commuting entirely. Think about the scope of your workload and whether a condensed work week would be feasible. As long as you aren’t sacrificing important meetings or deadlines, you can adjust to working four 10 hour days and have Fridays left for yourself – and the environment.
6. Work Remotely When Possible
In the digital age, most professions have the ability to complete work remotely. With high speed internet and equipment and many companies using cloud based software to store files. Hence, there is essentially no reason you could not work from home. If your employer has jumped on the bandwagon, working from home occasionally is a sure fire way to make your commute greener – since you won’t even be leaving the house. Even working remotely a couple days a month can lessen the impact you would have on the environment if you were to drive those days. If your work does not require a ton of face to face meetings, working from home is a great option, and without the distractions of an office your productivity levels will likely increase.
7. Upgrade Your Wheels to a Greener Ride
If changing your work schedule or commute just isn’t feasible, then driving a more environmentally friendly vehicle may be the way to go. From fully electric vehicles to fuel efficient cars, you have some flexibility in choosing a vehicle. Electric cars improve fuel economy and can be cheaper to utilize after the initial purchasing cost. If electric cars aren’t your thing, fuel efficient or hybrid cars that reduce fuel consumption are also great eco-friendly options.
Changing your commute is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint
Commuting less frequently or via a different mode of transportation can be beneficial to the environment. That’s as well as your well-being. A shorter work week makes for a happier employee. Finally, a better preserved environment without the added fuel emission All those that accompany a daily commute.
