Traveling Green: Frequently Asked Questions

How does alternative transportation benefit the environment?

Alternative transportation methods like ridesharing, public transportation, biking and walking all help to reduce the number of cars on the road and in turn, reduce harmful auto emissions that pollute the air, cause global warming and affect public health. Alternative transportation is more fuel efficient than driving alone, which helps conserve our natural resources and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. The need for more highways and other forms of land development are also lessened the more people use alternative forms of transportation. Learn more about how transit benefits the environment.

How do automobile emissions affect our health?

Automobile emissions contain large amounts of hydrocarbons, a principal ingredient responsible for ground-level ozone smog. Ozone irritates the eyes, damages the lungs, causes asthma attacks and aggravates other respiratory problems. Emissions are our most widespread air pollution problem. Like other toxins, hydrocarbons also have the potential to cause cancer.

Car emissions also contain nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and particulates. Like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of ozone as well as acid rain. Carbon monoxide reduces the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and can be particularly dangerous to people with heart disease. Particulates, such as soot, can also cause serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory problems or heart disease.

How do automobile emissions contribute to global warming?

Another by-product of engine combustion is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that helps to trap the earth’s heat inside the atmosphere, which is the primary cause of global warming.

What can I do?

A large part of the pollution we create as individuals is the result of personal transportation—from commuting to work to running daily errands. By reducing the amount that you drive and adopting cleaner, more energy-efficient methods of transportation, you can contribute to improving the environment and help set a positive example for others.