Healthy Transportation in California
Californians are always looking for ways to preserve the state's environment and natural beauty. The best way that Californians can help reduce the amount of pollution that is in the air is to find cleaner and more energy efficient ways to travel. Your carbon footprint is considered to be the amount of resources you use throughout your life that affect the environment around you. When you lower your carbon footprint and become more efficient, you are doing yourself and California a favor.
Invest In Alternate Forms of Transportation
Do you live a mile or two from work? Wouldn't it better to use a bicycle to get to work on a nice day and avoid using your car? When you use a bicycle to get to work, you are enjoying benefits such as:
- Getting more exercise
- Reducing your fuel costs
- Reducing wear and tear on your vehicle
- Reducing your carbon footprint
When you head out to buy a bicycle, be sure to check out all of your options. If a standard bicycle does not appeal to you, then try a design where you are seated comfortably with the pedals out in front of you.
Another alternative form of transportation to consider is a motorcycle. A fuel-efficient motorcycle will save you a significant amount of money on gas and reduce your impact on the environment. A motorcycle could be a fun and exciting way to get to work that would be much better than being stuck in a car in traffic.
Buy The Right Vehicle
The people in California love to drive, which can be a problem when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. The more exhaust fumes you put into the air, the larger your footprint becomes. But there are a few things you can do when buying a vehicle to make sure that you are doing your part to become more energy efficient.
California already has emissions laws that all new vehicles have to meet, but you can help reduce your emissions even more by buying an electric or hybrid vehicle. An electric vehicle reduces the amount of exhaust given off to nothing, while a hybrid significantly reduces emissions.
Do you really need a huge truck to get around? Even a family of four can do just fine with an energy-efficient cross-over, or an even smaller vehicle. When you buy your vehicle, be practical and get the one that fits your lifestyle.
Take Care Of Your Vehicle
When you keep your tires inflated properly, you reduce the amount of gas your car consumes. Little tips like this will help you to save money and reduce the amount of emissions you put into the air.
Get your car tuned up once a year and have your exhaust system inspected as well. A car with a finely-tuned engine will be more energy-efficient, and a properly functioning exhaust reduces the amount of fumes that get into the air.
Try Carpooling
How many times have you driven in the state of California, in bumper to bumper traffic, and were passed by people in the car pool lane? Car pooling is not just a good way to get to work, it can be a great way to get to a lot of places. You can try car pooling when you are:
- Taking the kids to school
- Going to church
- Going to an amusement park on the weekends
- Going out for the evening (designate a driver for the way home who won't be drinking alcohol)
Carpooling allows you to save money on gas, save on the wear and tear on your car, and reduce your carbon footprint. You can put together a regular carpool group that will make it fun to get to the places you want to go. If you and family friends are planning a weekend getaway, then plan on carpooling and save everyone the cost of gas.
Don't Forget Walking
Walking, even small distances, is a great way to get fresh air and save on gas. Instead of driving down the street to the corner store, you should walk there instead. After a while, you will start to feel the positive effects in your body, and in your wallet.
There are plenty of options when it comes to reducing the environmental effects of traveling in the state of California. When you put your mind to it, you can come up with many ways to save money and reduce your effect on the world around you. It is in everyone's best interests to use as many ways as possible to travel healthier in California.