Go Car Free in September – Heather Klinefelter, Outreach Specialist
Fall is in the air and it’s a good time to get outside after the heat of summer. Here at Commuter Services, we hope you will decide to go car free during the month of September. Every single driver trip we take off the road helps improve the air quality in South Central PA.
Air quality impacts many different facets of our lives. We all get the warnings on our phones giving us air quality warnings. How much time we should spend outdoors, how it will affect people with respiratory issues, how it will affect the elderly and children. Find out more about the alerts and what they mean on our blog.
One of the easiest ways to impact air quality is by choosing a green commute mode. Green commutes include carpooling, walking, biking, transit, and telecommuting. Each time you choose one of those modes for your trips, you are personally helping to make the air cleaner for everyone in the community.
Last September we took 8538 green commutes, 228,954 miles off the roads, saved $134,649, and burned 192,041 calories. This year we want to set a new record with 9000 green commutes, 300,000 miles, $140,000, and 200,000 calories! You can help us reach that goal.
According the EPA, transportation emissions account for 29% of greenhouse gas in the United States. When you decide to carpool with one other person, that is one less car on the road putting out pollution – even more with two people or a full car. Put 10 people on the bus and the reduction rises exponentially. With walking or biking, there is no car on the road. Telecommuting is the greenest commute of all – you don’t even leave the house.
During the month of September, you can help improve the environment and win some fun prizes from Commuter Services. Three commuters will win either a $100 or $50 gift card to Tango. So, how do you participate?
Record 3 green trips in Commute PA
Like one of our social media pages
Comment on any of the three social media posts the week of Car Free Day (September 22 – 24th)
Sometimes helping the environment can seem overwhelming. Remember that even the smallest things can make a big difference if everyone does their part. Turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth. Set your thermostat a little bit higher. Pick up trash at your local park. Take a green commute. Together we can make a difference, and we need your help!
Don’t forget to sign up, record your trips, follow us on social, and get green!