18. Earth Conscious Transportation
I will choose the transportation option that produces the least pollution whenever possible.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
According to Electric Drive 805, cars and trucks are the largest source of pollution in our area. Nationwide, gas and diesel powered vehicles produce approximately one-third of all air pollution. Pollutants from hydrocarbon fueled vehicles — such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, small particulates, benzene, ozone, formaldehydes, carbon dioxide and vehicle-based oil and fuel spills jeopardize our health and our environment, including our water, air and soil quality.
Cars and trucks emit one-fifth of our nation’s carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming. Drilling and refining the oil and gas needed to manufacture gasoline and diesel create many other serious environmental, environmental justice and health problems.
To impact this, try walking, riding a bike, taking public transportation, carpooling or driving an electric vehicle. In addition to the environmental benefits, there are huge personal health, social and financial benefits.
TAKING ACTION!
Instead of driving someplace with a gas or diesel powered car or truck, do one of the following:
Walk: Walking is amazing for our environment and our well-being. If you can, walk the entire way to your destination, or at least walk as much as you can to minimize driving. It really is time to walk the talk!
Bike: Commuting on two wheels is terrific for our health and the planet. For longer distances, combine biking with public transportation (buses and trains), and consider the option of using a folding bike that you can carry (see (3) below).
Take public transportation: Buses and trains provide many benefits, including time to relax, read, listen or work. To plan your bus route on the Santa Barbara MTD, click here. Each Santa Barbara MTD bus can carry up to two bikes on their outside rack at no extra charge. To see the schedule for the train (Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner) and get information about tickets and more, click here. Folding bikes can be carried into Amtrak trains and put in any of the luggage racks for no extra charge or reservation.
Carpool or vanpool: When the time is right, do you want to join a carpool or vanpool? For more information in Santa Barbara, use SmartRide – it’s terrific.
Use an electric vehicle: If it is not possible to walk, bike, take public transportation or carpool/vanpool, using an electric vehicle (EV) is the next best option. If you think it is too expensive, think again. As electricdrive805 points out, “by stacking three incentives and current record-low lease pricing, some drivers may be able to lease or purchase a new or used EV for free or very low cost.” Click here to see if you qualify.
ADDITIONAL MOTIVATIONAL THOUGHTS
As the Bike and Walk Alliance points out, there are so many scientifically documented benefits of walking and biking, including that you’re less likely to die early, you’ll have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, a reduced risk of cancer, a greater chance of fighting the diabetes epidemic, your mental health will improve, you’ll have more reliable travel times, reduced transportation costs, and you also gain the environmental and public health benefits of reduced exhaust and pollution.
As a public transit commuter, you can save “thousands of dollars a year on gas and car operation costs, and put aside up to $245/month pre-tax to cover fares.”
The benefits of electric cars and trucks include affordability, clean air, convenience, climate protection, security, speed and performance. Once you drive an EV, you will never want to go back to gasoline and diesel.
