Purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle, carpooling with co-workers, using public transportation, and putting the kids on the bus are effective ways to commute to and from work and school. While this is a great way to reduce fuel emissions, these aren’t the only places you drive to regularly. People are always on the move from going shopping at the grocery store or retail shop to paying a visit to the doctor’s office or a relative’s house, weakening the air quality in the process.
Not to mention, recent reports amid the pandemic have shown just how harmful commuting and transportation has been to the environment. As the preservation of the environment and humanity’s well-being are increasing concerns, eco-conscious drivers have implemented strategies like those listed below to help save the planet.
Plan Your Routes
Driving all around town without rhyme or reason is time-consuming and harmful to the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint, however, is as simple as planning your route before leaving your driveway. Mapping out a direct route from one destination to the next saves mileage, lowers emissions, reduces fuel-costs, and saves time.
For example, let’s say you had to go to the laundromat, grocery store, and department store. You could search for a shopping center with all of these retailers in it or look for establishments located closest together. As a bonus, you might even find an EV charging station at a retailer where you can re-charge and shop at once.
If you’ve made the switch to a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, It’s important to ensure you do the most eco friendly method of recycling your old vehicle. If your question is “what’s the process of scrapping my car?” The answer is simple, just look up your local car recycling company.
Reduce Your Trips
If you can reduce the amount of time you spend on the road, you’re helping the environment. Decreasing your time behind the wheel also saves time and money. There are several ways you can accomplish this. Take medical appointments, for example. Try to get your family enrolled with the same medical practice and schedule appointments for the same day. If you need prescriptions filed often, you can sign up for delivery services from your local pharmacy and have them shipped to your front door.
When it comes to buying groceries, you can opt for same-day delivery services or designate a bulk shopping trip twice a month to reduce your daily trips to the grocery store. You should also purchase digital products and online services when possible, as it eliminates the need to drive the car and reduces fuel emissions for brands you love the most.
Last but not least, you can reduce your trips by being prepared. When taking longer trips (like perhaps to visit family during the holidays), ensure that everyone has used the restroom in advance. You should also pack snacks and beverages for everyone. These two solutions will reduce how many times you have to stop for bathroom breaks and food getting you where you need to be faster.
Walk It Out
For people who live in metropolitan areas or suburban areas with high walkability stats, walking to your destinations is another option. From taking the kids to school or heading to the office to spending quality time at the park or shopping at a local retailer, depending on where you live, you can complete these activities on foot.
Not only is walking great for the environment, but it’s a great way to explore your community and ideal for your improved mental and physical well-being. The fresh air, sunlight, and exercise will only help you to live longer, happier lives. All you need is a stroller, portable shopping cart, some reusable shopping bags, and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, hats, and face masks to protect yourself while you’re out and about.
The reduced activity amid the coronavirus pandemic has shed some light on fuel emissions, air quality, and their impact on the environment. As such, more people are looking for eco-friendly solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and save the planet. Whether you’re commuting to work, school, the grocery store, or a relative’s house incorporating strategies like those discussed above into your routines help preserve the environment while saving you time and money.
