Travel Green
How do you get around? Transportation choices can be healthy for you (think: more movement in your daily routine) and the planet! Transportation emissions account for approximately 1/5 of global emissions, or 8 billion tons. So how can you help to lessen these emissions?
Walk, Bike, Skateboard, Scooter
If you are physically able, ditch the car choose a different form of transport to get around campus. You’ll save one pound of carbon for every mile you don’t drive.
Slowing down to use alternative forms of transport isn’t only healthy for the planet, but also good for you! Staying physically active is important for overall human health and slowing down to walk, bike, skateboard, scooter, etc allows you time to nurture your mental health, notice the world around you, and maybe even run into some friends between classes.
Use Mass Transit
Take advantage of Tri-Valley Transit’s extensive free transportation options: Whether you’re headed to Hannafords, up to Burlington, or over to the Snow Bowl or Rikert, Tri-Valley Transit has an extensive route map to get you around. They are consistently expanding route options and helping to make transport accessible by making all routes free to ride.
Drive Smarter
You can reduce you fuel costs and emissions by making efficient driving choices. Accelerate gently, avoid high speeds, and coast to decelerate. Additionally, Turn off car if idling for more than 10 seconds and check tire pressure regularly.
If you are able to work toward upgrading your personal vehicle, choices for hybrid and electric vehicles are expanding and becoming much more popular and if you can buy a used EV or hybrid, that’s all the more sustainable!
But always remember- the most sustainable choice generally involves avoiding personal vehicle use (or carpooling) as much as you are able.
Reevaluate Long Distance Travel
In some cases a teleconference or webcast can eliminate the need to be physically present.
If travel is necessary, consider options such as carpooling, taking the train (Middlebury is on the Amtrak train line!), or booking a direct flight, as most most fuel is used during takeoff and landing. Reducing layovers can significantly reduce the carbon emissions for your whole trip, if you are flying.
How does this work connect to the bigger picture?
