Green Commuting: Reducing Air Pollution, Improving Health

Commuting is a major contributor to air pollution, with the transportation sector responsible for over 55% of NOx gas emissions and more than 28% of all greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce air pollution, individuals can opt for more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, electric vehicles, or public transportation. These alternatives can significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, carpooling, ride-sharing, and investing in cleaner technologies can also play a role in mitigating air pollution.

Walkable communities

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to air pollution, with vehicle emissions accounting for a large portion of the harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. To combat this issue, the concept of walkable communities has gained traction as a way to reduce air pollution and improve overall well-being.

In addition to the environmental benefits, walkable communities offer economic advantages. A study found a positive correlation between a city's Walk Score and an increase in home values. Businesses are also attracted to these communities, as they provide improved productivity and economic development. Furthermore, walkable neighbourhoods promote a healthier lifestyle by encouraging physical activity, which can help reduce the risk of various health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

To achieve increased walkability, a shift in focus away from cars is necessary. This can be accomplished by replacing multilane streets with bike lanes and walkways, and by ensuring that bike lanes connect between communities. Safe and accessible public transportation options, such as buses and trains, are also crucial in reducing car dependence.

While the concept of walkable communities is promising, it is important to address potential challenges. For instance, climate change can impact the walkability of communities, as extreme weather events and increased precipitation can damage sidewalks and pathways. Additionally, preventive measures and proper infrastructure are necessary to mitigate the impact of flooding and ensure the resilience of walkable communities.

Public transportation

Additionally, public transportation reduces congestion. In 2011, public transportation in the U.S. saved 865 million hours in travel time. Without it, congestion costs in 2011 would have increased by $21 billion. Reduced congestion means reduced idling in traffic, which in turn reduces emissions.

Finally, public transportation encourages carpooling, which has a positive environmental impact. Carpooling saves gas, insurance, parking fees, and reduces vehicle wear and tear. It also keeps pollutants out of the air, including hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Electric vehicles

While generating the electricity used to charge EVs can create carbon pollution, the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with EVs are typically lower than those of gasoline cars. This is because EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, and the proportion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar used to generate electricity is increasing. In 2020, renewables became the second most prevalent electricity source in the US, and California, the state with the most EVs, has EV charging that makes up less than 1% of its grid total load. As a result, the grid can handle increases in EV charging, and EV charging consumes less electricity than water heating and air conditioning in a typical US household.

Furthermore, EVs use regenerative braking, which restores braking energy back to the car's battery, reducing particle pollution from brakes. Additionally, improvements in vehicle and battery technologies have led to a decrease in the failure rate of EV batteries, with modern EVs having a failure rate of less than 0.5% since 2016.

To encourage the use of EVs, strategic plans such as the TCI-P aim to invest in better infrastructure for electric vehicles, making them more accessible to communities. While there are concerns about the carbon pollution generated during the manufacturing of EV batteries, over the lifetime of the vehicle, EVs are responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Carpooling

The US Department of Transportation reports that 44% of the almost one billion personal car trips made daily in the US are made with only one person in the car. This means that there are hundreds of millions of empty seats on the road, which is a huge missed opportunity to cut down on traffic and pollution. Every time a gasoline-powered car is driven, several pollutants are released into the air, including nitrogen oxides (NOx gases), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. These emissions contribute to air pollution and the greenhouse effect, leading to climate change.

There are also other benefits to carpooling beyond just reducing air pollution. Firstly, it can save money for those involved, as the cost of fuel and maintenance can be shared. It can also build community and social connections, turning a solitary commute into an opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Finally, some cities offer incentives for carpooling, such as reserved parking spaces or faster "HOV" lanes for cars with multiple passengers. These can further encourage people to carpool and help reduce pollution and congestion.

Overall, carpooling is a simple and effective way to reduce air pollution from commuting. It immediately reduces the number of cars on the road and can also provide financial and social benefits to those involved. With new online tools making it easier than ever to find carpool partners, it is a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Proper vehicle maintenance

Regular Tune-Ups and Services

Get regular tune-ups and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. This includes performing oil changes and replacing filters at the recommended intervals. Keep an eye on your fuel economy, as a sudden decrease in fuel efficiency can indicate an increase in emissions and signal that your vehicle needs attention.

Check Engine Light

If your check engine light comes on, have the issue addressed as soon as possible. This can improve your vehicle's mileage and emissions output. A qualified automotive technician should be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

Tire Maintenance

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated and over-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing emissions. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure.

Weight and Roof Rack

Reduce unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds (45.4 kilograms) decreases fuel efficiency by 1-2%. Remove any roof racks when not in use, as these can decrease your fuel efficiency by around 5%.

Driving Habits

Drive at steady, moderate speeds. Fast acceleration and inconsistent speeds reduce overall efficiency. Avoid leaving your engine idling for extended periods, such as when stuck in traffic or waiting at a red light. Turn off your engine in these situations to reduce emissions and save fuel.

Other Maintenance Tips

Other maintenance tasks include ensuring your gas cap fits tightly and using the recommended motor oil. Also, pay attention to unusual sounds or smells, as these can indicate an issue with your vehicle's emissions controls, which can lead to increased pollution if left unchecked.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help reduce air pollution, improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and even extend its longevity.

Frequently asked questions