Eco-Impact

Car traffic has far-reaching effects on the environment, from global climate change to local air quality. As Americans, we drive more than anyone else in the world. We make up just 5 percent of the world’s population, but have 30 percent of the world’s automobiles, and contribute to almost half of the world’s automotive carbon dioxide emissions. What this means is that, by simply adjusting our habits, we can make a tremendous difference toward sustainability and a healthier environment.

Every year, the average passenger car uses 550 gallons of gasoline. The average SUV uses 915 gallons of gasoline. It is estimated that the U.S. could save 33 million gallons of gas each day if the average commuting vehicle carried just one additional person.

Car pooling, like other forms of alternative transportation, is one way we can reduce the number of cars on the road, the air pollution expended and the energy wasted that is the result of single occupancy vehicles. When you make the decision to share your commute with others, you are deciding to become part of the solution.

Learn more about how alternative transportation helps the environment.