Be a Part of the Solution!

Decreasing Some of Your Automobile Trips is an Effective Way to Reduce Air Pollution

Many scientific studies have shown global warming to be real. It is now accepted by most of the world's governments that we have a problem on our hands. If each of us were to make a small commitment to reduce our automobile dependence by just a fraction, we could make incredible strides- even without new laws or restrictions.

Global warming and the end of the oil age are immense issues with no simple solutions, but we can all make a small difference by paying attention to our daily habits and find simple changes we can make. Many small changes in our collective lives can make a huge difference, but it all starts with YOU!

Cars in the U.S. contribute a staggering amount of global warming pollution. The U.S. has 30 percent of the world's cars, but they account for 45 percent of automotive carbon dioxide (the main gas that contributes to global warming).

Consider this: If everyone who lives within 5 miles of their workplace were to ride a bicycle to work just one day a week and left the car at home, nearly 5 million tons of global warming pollution would be saved every year, the equivalent of taking about a million cars off the road!

In 2001 and 2002, nearly 2 million Americans rode a bicycle to work or used a bike as part of their job (compared with nearly 10 million who walked to work), according to the Bureau of Transportation. Bicycling trips have doubled since 1990, reported the 2004 national Bicycling and Walking Study. But national polls and surveys indicate that significantly more adults would bike to work if they had safe routes and secure workplace parking and changing facilities.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Americans' use of the automobile is leveling off- despite the fact that real income keeps rising. This trend started to appear about ten years ago, and it appears to be growing. You too can be a part of this good trend.

Start by making a pledge to at least try biking to work. Do this on our Pledge page. You can even find out how many pounds of Carbon Dioxide (the main climate-warming gas) you will keep out of the atmosphere per year because of your valliant efforts! Do it now and you'll be glad you did.