Transportation is one of our society’s largest contributors
to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Living Green Expo is about making good transportation choices, getting out of traditional vehicles, new technologies (and some new takes on old ones), public transit, and more.
Transportation is one of our society's largest contributors to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Roads, parking lots and other impermeable surfaces also contribute to water pollution by channeling dirt and chemicals into storm sewers and eventually into nearby lakes and rivers. Since most air pollution from cars and trucks is due to the burning of fuel, you can reduce pollution from these sources by using less fuel, using cleaner fuels, and using fuel more cleanly.
Ten Things You Can Do
Get out of your car and onto your feet/bike/bus/train. Ride Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) and request a connecting line for your community.
Buy an energy-efficient, low emissions vehicle.
Hold city officials accountable for making smart urban
design decisions that support non-auto transportation methods.
Live near where you work.
Plan consecutive trips (trip chain and plan car-free days).
Support businesses, schools, and organizations within biking
and walking distance of your home.
Teach children to walk and bike safely and successfully.
Work with the business community to support sustainable
commuting for employees and sustainable transportation access for customers.
Look into a car-sharing program, like HOURCAR, instead of buying a second or third car.
Use cleaner/alternative fuels.
Transportation Learning Resources
Ideas for Using Less Fuel
Next time you purchase a vehicle, buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle
that meets your average daily needs, preferably one that is rated
at 35 MPG or more. Rent or borrow a larger vehicle or trailer for
the occasional large load. For more information: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ and www.greenercars.com; learn about hybrid models from Toyota, Honda, and Ford.
Try multi-modal: Use a bike to get to an express bus or the Hiawatha Line Light Rail, then use the transit service to get you across town. Drive to a park-and-ride lot, then take the bus or train to your final destination.
To encourage bike commuting, talk to your employer about putting in showers and bike lockers. Sponsor a "Bike to Work" day. Invite a bicycle-commuting expert to talk to your employees at a "Lunch and Learn." Create a custom map showing bike routes to your work place.
If you have more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient
one when possible.
Use transit and car- or van-pool as often as you can. Doing so three times a week can reduce your fuel consumption up to 50%. Learn more from Metro Transit's Learn A New Way To Move.
Bike or walk to avoid fuel use entirely. The state Department of Transportation offers more on their web site: About Bicycling in Minnesota
Alternative fuels such as bio-diesel
are practical for fleets of vehicles. The Energy Information Center offers lots of data about renewable and alternative fuels.
Ideas for Using Fuel More Cleanly
Keep your vehicle well-tuned and tires inflated properly to reduce
exhaust emissions.
Combine errands into one trip—cars pollute less when they are
warmed up.
Avoid idling—idling exhaust contains more pollutants than running
exhaust.
