Transportation
The actions described below will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and pollution resulting from your sources of transportation. Each category below requires an initial launch action that will enable you to engage in that category through ongoing actions. Select from the options described on this page and submit your action through the button below to gain points toward perks.
Launch: Identify car trips in your routine that you can replace
Ongoing: Replace those trips with active or public transportation
In the majority of areas of the US, it is simply not feasible to get rid of your car due to the lack of well-connected public transportation. It’s important to start with what is feasible for you – perhaps as little as one car trip per month that you replace with alternative transportation. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely find it easier to scale up to more frequent non-car trips. The benefits are not only for the environment, as you will find that active forms of transportation are great for mental and physical health as well.
Launch: Identify car trips in your routine that you can carpool
Ongoing: Carpool those trips
Many car trips in your daily routine may simply not be feasible to replace with other modes of transport. You still have a major tool at your disposal to reduce the amount of pollution you are creating: carpooling. Perhaps someone at your office takes a similar route to work or to your kid’s soccer practice. Why not carpool for those trips to save yourself some time and gas? As an added, you might find in the process that carpooling makes the time in the car less isolating. Some metro areas have even launched carpool apps and websites to connect commuters with similar routes.
Launch: Take advantage of incentives for electric vehicles
Ongoing: Use your EV
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, rebates of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for used electric vehicles are available. Many states and localities also rebates and tax credits for electric vehicles and their associated chargers. EV prices have dropped considerably in recent years, with several models at the same price point as gas cars. Given the lower costs of maintenance and charging in comparison to buying to gas, EVs have not only become the wise environmental choice but also the economic one. Learn more about EVs with this resource from Energy Sage.
Launch: Investigate electric vehicle rideshare and rental options
Ongoing: Use those services
Perhaps you are not a car owner but you do use car rentals and ride-share services on occasion. In recent years, the number of rental car and ride-share companies offering electric vehicle options has expanded. Most notably, Revel in New York City offers only electric rides. If you’re renting a car for a trip away from home, most rental car companies now offer electric vehicles as well. Turo is another rental car option that allows you to filter for EVs. Uber, Lyft, and other on-demand services often provide an option to choose only electric drivers.
Launch: Learn about efficient driving practices
Ongoing: Put those methods into practice
Among the most wasteful of driving techniques is idling, or leaving the engine running while the car is parked. A staggering 6 billion gallons of fuel and 30 million tons of carbon dioxide are emitted every year in the US just from idling, half of which comes not from big trucks but from personal vehicles. Other ways to make your ride more efficient include making sure tires are filled, making sure you get the vehicle tuned up on a regular and timely basis, and driving at slower, steadier speeds.
Launch: Investigate micro-mobility options
Ongoing: Utilize micro-mobility options available in your area
The increasing availability of micro-mobility options such as e-bikes and e-scooters has made non-car transportation more and more possible in many areas. Not only are apps like Lime and Bird helpful for making short-distance trips, but they can also be used to complete the last mile or two of transit following a bus or train ride. Using these apps not only reduces your emissions but also increases demand for these services to continue in your area. Not to mention riding via micro-mobility allows you to get better acquainted with your neighborhood.
Bringing Sustainable Transportation to Music
Plan a tour by electric vehicle or public transit
Opt for alternative modes of transportation or electric rideshare to get to practice and shows when possible
Carpool to practice or shows when alternative transportation is not feasible
Image: CyclingElectric
Have another transportation action? The actions described above are not an exhaustive list. Submit your action below and it will be reviewed by our team regardless of whether it is described above.
Submit your action
The button below will take you to the submission form. Your action will be reviewed by our team, and you will be notified when you receive points for your action (typically within 1 week of submission).
The Music and Planet Project 