Eco-Impact
Walking, along with bicycling, is the most environmentally friendly way you can commute. It reduces traffic congestion and air pollution that causes health problems, global warming and noise pollution. Every time you walk instead of drive, you’re reducing automobile emissions that harm our environment and our health. And this is especially true for short trips, when emissions can be the most toxic.
Short Trips Toward a Better Environment
It takes a car engine several minutes to warm up. This is when your car produces the most harmful levels of emissions, because the emissions control equipment has not yet reached its most efficient operation temperature. On a cold day, you may drive for several miles before your engine warms up and begins burning fuel more efficiently. Every time you can leave the car at home for a short trip, and walk instead, you’re making a positive impact on the environment.
Turn Down the Noise
Road traffic is a major contributor to noise levels that affect our well-being, disrupt sleep, contribute to hearing loss and generally disrupt the peace and quiet of many communities. Schools, workplaces and residences are often located close to noisy roadways. Walking will reduce noise created by automobiles and encourage the development of more walkable communities that will benefit the public health and the environment.
Learn more about alternative transportation and the environment.