Did you know in the United States vehicles release 1.6 billion tons of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere every year?
With cars having such a large impact on global warming and climate change, it may be time to think about eco-friendly ways to get around town.
New technology has allowed for new creative ways of transportation that help save the environment and can help you save money in the long run.
Keep reading to learn six eco-friendly types of transportation.
1. Electric Bikes
With biking being a great eco-friendly alternative, emitting zero emissions, electric bikes can take out a lot of exhaustion from biking, especially for longer trips or commutes.
Eco-friendly bikes like electric bikes are becoming a popular way of transportation because you don’t have to use your full energy.
There are several different types of electric bikes. Some options you may want to look at for ways of transportation are cruisers and commuters.
Cruiser Electric bikes are very comfortable and meant for flat, paved roads. They also have high handlebars for better back support. Cruisers are perfect for getting around town. If you are interested in learning more, check out this beach cruiser electric bike.
Commuter electric bikes are great for long distances. They have large narrow tires and are ideal for your commute to work. Commuter bikes also have comfortable seats and an upright design.
Electric bikes are an investment that will save you money and physical energy, so be sure to find the perfect one that fits your needs.
2. Electric Scooters
If you live in a city, you may see electric scooters lying around or people zipping by on them. Electric scooters are great for going short distances. They also give you that childhood thrill, all while being an eco-friendly transportation alternative!
You can invest in an electric scooter yourself for your work commute, although many cities have electric scooters you can rent through an app on your phone.
The average highest speed of electric scooters is 15 miles per hour, and a charge can last anywhere from two to six hours.
Electric scooters are built with a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful and long-lasting, perfect for electric scooters and electric bikes.
3. Walking
Walking may be the most eco-friendly solution of all. Walking is free, good for your health, and has no impact on the environment!
Health benefits of walking include improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved joint health.
Walking places can save you money and give you a chance to clear your head, call a relative, or listen to your favorite music.
Taking a walk doesn’t have to be saved for a nice day. Make it a part of your transportation routine!
4. Public Transportation
Public transportation is a great place to begin when trying to be more eco-friendly.
Did you know a person who switches their 20-mile commute from car to public transport reduces their carbon footprint by 20 pounds per day? Think of all the carbon waste you could save from entering the environment!
Public transportation has also become increasingly tech-savvy with many cities finding ways to make their public transportation eco friendly. Eco-friendly solutions range from running busses with hybrid gas alternatives to providing energy-efficient subways.
When public transportation is affordable and runs efficiently, people are more likely to switch to public transport as an eco-friendly alternative.
5. Electric Cars
Electric cars are nothing new these days, though they are getting increasingly cost-effective and popular.
Hybrid cars use a combination of electric and gas energy. For example, the Toyota Prius still uses gas and converts the energy used while braking to power the car. Pretty clever right?
Fully electric cars have a higher upfront cost but will save you money in the long run. Paying to charge a car is much cheaper than fueling with gas, and many public locations have charging stations for electric cars.
On average driving, an electric car can save you $700 per year in fuel costs. Electric cars also require less maintenance due to the electric engine. Lastly, they are eco-friendly, as fully electric cars admit no carbon dioxide.
Countries like The Netherlands plan to ban allowing the sale of gas-fueled cars by 2025 and have all new passenger vehicles be zero emissions by 2030.
Countries and individuals alike are trying to find new ways to lower their carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly.
6. Car-Pooling
Car-pooling doesn’t have to be just for soccer moms. Consider car-pooling to work as an eco-friendly alternative!
In many commuter cities, there are specific lanes for cars with two or more people, often called the car-pool lane. The car-pool lane is meant to incentivize drivers to ride together, reducing traffic and carbon dioxide.
Car-pooling is also cost-effective as you can split the cost of gas and reduce wear on your vehicle, and some employers even offer incentives for employees that carpool.
The best part might be you can relax when you are the one in the passenger seat!
Eco-Friendly Transportation: Which Will You Choose?
There are many options when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. Employing a combination of these eco-friendly modes of transportation will have a positive impact on the environment, your health, and your wallet.
Finding a product or solution that works for you may also encourage you to find other areas in your life where you can become more eco-friendly!
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