# 7 Ways to Make Your Commute More Eco-Friendly

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/7-ways-make-commute-more-eco-friendly/
- Published: 2020-06-22T00:50:18-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

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](https://web.archive.org/web/20190108224249/https://www.carmax.com/articles).
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!

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pexels-photo-
1595586-e1543282022158.jpg?resize=188%2C125&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### **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](https://web.archive.org/web/20190108224249/https://www.carmax.com/articles)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/natural-areas-conservation-program-canada-prince-edward-island/).
You’ll [save on gas and maintenance](https://web.archive.org/web/20160313214407/http://www.carmax.com:80/cars/nissan/maxima)
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!

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pexels-photo.
jpg?resize=150%2C100&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### **4. Bike to Work**

[Commuting via bike](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/06/best-electric-bikes-top-picks-for-commuters/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/11/bike-city-station-commuting-facility-future/),
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](https://www.greenstarbikes.com/eco-friendly/)
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](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2018/02/01/the-greenest-cars-for-2018/#4acc43b025a9)
may be the way to go. From fully [electric vehicles to fuel efficient cars](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/03/your-first-electric-car-in-2026/),
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.

![Tesla electric car charger](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2018/11/pexels-photo-258083.jpg?resize=150%2C100&quality=52&ssl=1)