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Why Is Transportation Important?
Vehicles are responsible for approximately 20 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions annually, but getting to and from work, school, and home is a necessity for everyone. The American Public Transportation Association reports that an average household spends 18 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 94 percent of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating costs. This is the largest expenditure after housing.
About Transportation
There are multiple ways of decreasing your carbon footprint in your day-to-day activities. Small adjustments have a large impact considering our population size. How can you be sure your car or bus is getting the correct miles per gallon (MPG)? Or how can you tell if a vehicle's emissions are higher than normal? Maintenance is an issue that is sometimes not considered when thinking about greenhouse gases. Asking questions and seeking advice from professionals and online can save you money and conserve natural resources.
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Carpooling
Carpooling is the shared use of a vehicle by one or more people to get to your destination. Students should try to use this method when traveling to and from school and extra curricular activities. Adults should find out which coworkers live close so they can share rides, which will save fuel costs and make a positive impact on climate change. Remember, even carpooling once a week helps!
Hybrid Vehicles
There has been a strong movement in America to follow the world trend of owning fuel-efficient vehicles (FEV). We are seeing a steady increase in the miles per gallon capabilities of American built cars. While this is important, hybrid vehicles should be considered if you are purchasing a new vehicle. Hybrids utilize both gasoline and a large battery or set of batteries that are charged while you drive and brake. This synergy (working together cooperatively) allows you to greatly increase the miles per gallon your vehicle achieves. The eventual vision for these cars is to become completely electric. They can be plugged into an outlet overnight during non-peak hours when energy demand and cost are the lowest.
Maintenance Policies
Walk or Ride Your Bike to Work
Walking, riding your bike, rollerblading, and skateboarding not only reduce greenhouse gases, but they improve your overall health. Exercise gives you more energy, keeps your body healthy, and maintains a healthy weight. Plus, you won’t have to worry about climbing gas prices. When you don’t have these options available or a condition prevents you from engaging in these activities, try using public transportation. The American Public Transportation Association estimates that public transportation’s overall effects save the US 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
What Broward County Public Schools Are Doing
- Transportation has purchased 16 hybrid SUV vehicles in the District fleet.
- The District plans to replace surplus District vehicles with hybrid vehicles.
- Transportation has written and submitted an “Anti-Idling” policy for School Board approval. This measure will drastically reduce school bus emissions by prohibiting school buses from idling in school loading zones and reduce fuel consumption by restricting engine idling.
- Vehicle Maintenance utilizes “recycled” water to wash buses and uses biodegradable products to absorb fuel spills in the garage areas.
- Vehicle Maintenance has installed 50 head shields on District school buses to reduce fuel consumption.
What You Can Do
- Take the alternative. Use mass transit, ride a bike, carpool, buy or learn about fuel-efficient (FEV) or hybrid vehicles, and use alternative fuel sources, such as biodiesel. If it isn’t possible to commit to any of these on a consistent basis, try carpooling or riding a bike just once a week.
- Get more MPGs! The next time you or your family purchase a vehicle be sure to check the EPA rating on the miles-per-gallon. The more fuel efficient, the better!
- Tune it up! Protect your equipment and the environment with scheduled maintenance. Oil changes, tire inflation checks, and vehicle point inspections all prevent environmental damage and save money spent on repair costs.
Links
Fuel Economy
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
Fuel Saving and Heat Control Technology
http://www.americandieselandgas.com/q_shield.htm
Natural Resources Conservation Service
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/IA/news/PerviousPaving.pdf
USEPA Heat Island Effect
http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/