We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. - George Bernard Shaw

March 2008 Rethink how you transport yourself The ocean regulates our planet's atmosphere and weather patterns, and we can help the ocean do its job - and save time, peace of mind, and money - by rethinking how we transport ourselves. In the US, about 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. Taking advantage of all the great ways to use our cars less will help slow global warming - protecting coral reefs and other sensitive ocean habitats and animals.

  Three for me...

1. Become a caring commuter! There are many easy ways to use your car less and they come with the sweet rewards of money savings, healthy exercise, and kicking back on the morning commute. If you can, walk and bike more often; take public transportation regularly; actively seek carpooling partners; or work from home more often.
   
   Fewer cars on the road means less traffic, less greenhouse gas emissions, better air quality, and less water pollution. The approximate amount of fuel wasted in traffic congestion each year is equivalent to nine billion gallons, or 800 times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez!
   
   
2. Slow down but don't be idle. When driving, try to go the speed limit. The fuel efficiency of an average car drops significantly beyond 55 mph (90km/h); driving at 75 mph (120km/h) – rather than 65 mph (105 km/h) – increases gasoline use by 25 percent! You can also save money, reduce wear and tear, and help our ocean by turning off your engine if parked in one place for more than 30 seconds. Check fueleconomy.gov for more easy tips on making the most of your gas mileage.
   
   
3. Be a frequent non-flyer. By taking trains or buses and cutting back on flight time, you can help lessen the demand for air travel, a significant but often ignored contributor to climate change pollution. Traveling overland is a great sightseeing opportunity and is getting more timely, accessible, and comfortable by the day. Before booking your next plane ticket, check out if any overland options are available; this great resource on getting around the world by train might come in handy.
   
   If you want to beat the trip altogether, a welcome alternative to frequent business travel is video conferencing that can be done from the comfort of your home, your office, or your public library.

  ...and three for the seas

1. Hybrid up! If you're in the market for a new car, then hybrid up and enjoy the convenience of a car while lightening your carbon load - hybrids can drive 40 to 70 miles on one gallon of gasoline, much farther than a conventional vehicle. Hybrid vehicles are cost competitive with similar conventional vehicles and offer the same power and comfort. Visit fueleconomy.gov to compare your hybrid options. Hybrids purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit in the hundreds.
   
   
2. You've traveled less, now offset the rest! By following the steps above you've lost most of your on-the-go CO₂ baggage, and it's even easier to lose the rest with carbon offsets! Carbon offset companies neutralize the amount of CO₂ you put into the air by doing something (e.g. investing in renewable energy) to take up or save an equal amount of CO₂. If you’re a do-it yourselfer you can help offset your carbon emissions by getting involved with groups that do tree planting, stream bank restoration, wetland restoration, or the like in your community. Or look into this exciting initiative for another alternative.
   
   
3. More power to the green commuter! You can make it easier for others around you to join in your quest to become a green commuter by:
   
   
   • Supporting walkable communities - by encouraging mixed use zoning, speed controlled streets, adequate sidewalks, easy-to-cross intersections, well linked routes, and the development of public spaces and an intact town center. See these resources for promoting walkable communities in your area.
   
   
   • Supporting good public transport and carpooling in your community - improving public transport requires commitment, but small actions like letters to your local paper and public officials will go a long way. You can use this tool to measure the benefits of actual or proposed transit investments in your community. Starting a carpooling network, on the other hand, only requires a few neighbors, friends, or coworkers. These 10 tips will guide you through the process of creating a successful carpool.
   
   
   • Suggesting car-less days and green commuter incentives in the work place, starting with your own.