Climate action challenge: Transportation

 In Opinion

As kids head back to school, and many people head back to work, we’re shifting our focus to transportation. One of the major contributors to climate change, transportation is another place we can rethink our footprint, and get ourselves on the right track (pun totally intended).
In 2018, 25 per cent of Canada’s gHg emissions were from transportation. From 1990 to 2018, emissions from transportation rose by 53 per cent. Rurally, we are challenged with the limited options available. Seriously tackling the climate footprint of transportation requires infrastructure investment in passenger rail, buses, and readily available charging stations for electric vehicles. It also has to be convenient, and timely. Taking two hours to get somewhere you could drive to in 15 minutes isn’t an incentive for people. It has to be not only an ethical choice, but a logical, viable choice. So, voicing your opinions to your government officials is important. We need better options.
Not only is passenger transportation a concern, but the increase in freight and shipping with online shopping, and a global marketplace has had serious impacts on our emissions. A shift toward electric vehicles and hybrids for commercial vehicles needs to be part of the plan.
There are things we can do as individuals though, while we’re waiting for corporations and the government to take action. This month, we’ll re-evaluate how we get from A to B, and what we do along the way that could impact our carbon footprint.

Sept. 2: This one is for people returning to regular routines! Leave reusable cups, dishes, serviettes and cutlery at work for greener lunches and coffee breaks.

Sept. 9: Do not use a drive-though this week – take your own travel mug (if allowed) and go inside. Drive-through restaurants result in increased waste, but more importantly, cause an increase in pollution from idling cars. After 10 seconds it is better to turn off the engine on a gas car. Ditch them for one week (good); one month (better); forever (best). Even better, bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks from home. Less waste, less pollution, healthier food. 
Sept. 16: Look at all the places you would normally drive to in next week’s schedule. Is there one event that you could get to without your car? Carpool (good); Bus (better); Walk/bike (best). Set the groundwork for that event. Talk to a friend about carpooling. Look up the bus schedule. Get on your bike and ride! World No Car Day is Sept. 22.

Sept. 23: Plan to Carpool (good), Bus (better), Walk/bike (best) to at least one event this week, and leave your vehicle at home. 

Sept. 30: Set an Active Transportation or Carpooling goal. Example: I will walk/bike to all places within a 15-minute walk of home. If you want a third party to help determine the walk time, you can use Google Maps. If you live outside of a town, set a carpooling goal (i.e., carpool one day per week).Find carpool buddies who have the same schedule as you do. If you are in an area without a bus, call your town this week and see if you can get on a bus route. It’s a good option now, and remember, buses will be electric and emissions-free in the future.
Of course if you’re in the market, consider an electric vehicle. EVs charge overnight, when rates are lower, and cost very little compared to a tank of gas. You can also change your driving habits, which could decrease your gas consumption by up to 25 per cent , or run multiple errands at once, to reduce the number of trips you need to take. Use some imagination, plan your outings, and consider all the options. And another benefit? Studies show that walking not only improves your physical health but your mental focus and your psychological well-being. Plus, walkable districts in communities have shown to boost local economies. So, take a stroll. Or get on your bike. Or have a pleasant commute with a coworker, who will become a friend. Happy September!

52 Weeks of Climate Action was created by Sherri Jackson and Laurel Hood. Jackson is a writer, speaker and musician. She is the candidate of record and communications coordinator for the Simcoe-Grey Greens. Hood, is a retired secondary teacher, transportation lead for the Collingwood Climate Action Team, and volunteer coordinator for the Simcoe-Grey Greens. Visit the blog or sign up at www.52weeksofclimateaction.com.

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