Resolve to be lighter; Choose Green to go

We’ve done it – resolved to be lighter. Living lighter on the planet is a matter of making changes in things we do every day. What we choose to change has a lot to do with the strength of our resolve to drop some pounds of CO2 from our carbon footprints.

Last week, the choices were about lighter food. Since the food system is accountable for roughly a third of greenhouse gases, this is a good place to start.

Another choice that is available to everyone, every day, no matter the lifestyle, is how to get around. Cars, buses, bicycles, feet – all are common modes of transport. Which you choose on a daily or even a weekly basis should be a way that meets your needs and suits your conscience.

Transportation is responsible for up to 51% of greenhouse gases and air pollution and up to 23% of toxic water pollution. These big numbers are numbers everyone can do something about. Let’s start by prioritizing. Which are you able to alter, adjust, or drop altogether?

Try walking, biking, or taking the bus at least once a month. More than half of all trips are made within two miles of home, according to a recent Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey. Half all of work commutes are five miles each way - a very bike-able or bus-able distance that won’t add too much extra time. Most people make those short trips in a car, adding pollution and adding pounds to the greenhouse gas load.

Speaking of adding pounds, many commuters find the exercise of walking or biking these short trips is enjoyable. They have the added benefit of not only dropping some pounds of CO2 but potentially some pounds off of you. If the weather or your body won’t allow for foot-powered travel, try the bus. The ride allows for time to read, rest, or text and despite the act of dropping in coins for every trip, it can save you big money.

Car ownership accounts for 17% of our annual budgets due to the combined costs of the vehicle itself, payments on car loans, gas, oil, insurance, maintenance and repair, licensing… Save some money and save the planet – that’s a win-win!

For future reference: make it easier on yourself. Choose a place to live where the need to drive is reduced. Pick a place within walking distance to school, work, food sources, and recreational areas. IU South Bend is in a very walkable neighborhood with lots of amenities within a short walk or bike ride and is on a bus line. Notice what is around, and watch for other neighborhoods that offer similar amenities when seeking a new homestead.

• Facebook Comments
• Site Comments

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add comment


I am not posting spam. I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.

Enter the characters in the image above:

log out