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Transportation has been a hotbed of argument and an ever-growing concern for the green movement for decades. Harmful emissions from vehicles and the need for alternative fuels, in particular, have often taken center stage. In fact in 2012, air pollution alone was responsible for a staggering 432,000 premature deaths in the European Union.

However, no matter how poignant the argument, the need for humans to move across vast distances remains a necessity of modern life. In other words, unless you plan to stay home for the rest of your days, you need a way to get from point A to point B on a regular basis.

Alternative “Green” Transportation to the Rescue

Fortunately for the eco-conscious, there are quite a few ways to cut down on the effects of your transportation without the need to give up the transportation itself. Below are a few of the primary alternative options available. While all of them are beneficial in the fight against pollution, each also boasts its own unique benefits that can bolster your physical, emotional, and financial health, as well. 

Electric Cars

While there is an ongoing debate about the emissions involved in the manufacturing of electric cars, the operation of the cars themselves is undoubtedly advantageous to the environment. According to the EPA, the typical traditional vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 on an annual basis, compared to zero emissions to operate an electric car. 

As an aside, like the previously mentioned manufacturing concerns, the emissions from the production of the electricity itself is another discussion altogether, and one that certainly doesn’t disqualify the use of electric cars as a whole. Yes, the sustainability of manufacturing processes and electricity production must be addressed, but that doesn’t mean the potential of electric cars should be disregarded. Once these elements are improved, it will pave the way for electric cars to truly revolutionize the sustainability of private transportation.

All of that said, the overall cleaner effect of electric cars on the air can have a direct impact on your own physical health, as well. The obvious benefit here is the avoidance of the negative effects of harmful fumes and air pollution to your own person, as studies have shown that smog can literally decrease cognition.

If you’re considering getting an electric vehicle, but you’re hesitating over the often lofty cost of purchasing the vehicle itself, don’t give up hope quite yet. There are often tax credits that can help offset the higher costs. For instance, the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Tax Credit allows for between $2,500 and $7,500 in tax credits towards a plug-in electric vehicle, making the purchase both better for your finances as well as your health.

Public Transportation

If you’re interested in cutting the personal vehicle out entirely and you live in an urban or even suburban area, you may want to look into your public transportation options such as buses or trains. Denver, CO, for instance, is well-known for its rail lines, which service nearly every area of the metropolis and costs a few dollars to ride. And then there’s Los Angeles’ combined bus and Metrolink rail systems, which ferried 115 million commuters to and from work in 2014 alone. 

Along with helping you get around without the need to drive yourself, it’s estimated that public transportation saves as much as 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline per year. 

Ridesharing

Another option that can make a personal vehicle completely unnecessary to own in the first place is ridesharing. Downloading the Uber or Lyft app (or even both in order to price comparison shop) can enable you to move from one place to another with relative ease. 

While it may seem expensive on a trip-by-trip basis, by the time you add up a car payment, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and everything else that goes into operating your own car, it can often be comparable to the expense of simply using a rideshare app, especially if you don’t travel too often or too far.

The ability to leave the driving to others can be a load off your mind and can also help relieve the anxiety and stress of having to drive yourself around.

If you do decide to ditch your car for the rideshare option, and your car is in too bad of condition to be resellable, make sure that you recycle the vehicle properly. Cars are 98% recyclable and can even give you a little pocket change when you turn it in.

Bicycling

Of course, if you’re going to trade in your car and go the rideshare route, you also should consider a bicycle. 

Bicycling is a great way to travel short distances with minimal impact on the environment or your wallet. In fact, a bicycle can often go places that cars can’t, allowing you to take a more direct route to a destination.

Not only that, but a bicycle is an easy way to get some cardiovascular exercise, increase your mental health, lose weight, and many more benefits.

Walking

Like bicycling, walking is another eco-friendly form of transportation. While it’s naturally limited, if you have to go a short distance to the store, work, a friend’s house, etc. it’s always a great idea to initially consider walking there.

There are many different benefits to walking. For instance, walking is an excellent source of stress relief, can foster a more positive mood, and can help with managing things like weight, chronic conditions, etc.

Two For One

Finding alternative forms of transportation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. If you look for the right opportunities, it’s completely plausible to be eco-friendly with your transportation and simultaneously benefit your own physical, mental, and financial health in the process.

If you live in a city center, look for opportunities to walk or bike when possible. If you’re a suburban dweller, you can do things like look for local bus stops, stores close enough to bike to, and more. Even if you live in a rural area, it’s worth taking the time to calculate your travel expenses and see if something like a rideshare app is in the cards. 

One way or another, finding those alternative transportation options is well worth the effort for both your own health and the earth itself.

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