Are there aspects of your daily life that you know contribute to your carbon footprint but you are unwilling to compromise to change them? In other words, what about your life is “off the table” when it comes to carbon emissions? It's OK to admit it- we all have these cherished behaviors!
Off the Table? >
Driving May Be Off the Table
Although transportation made up the biggest portion of my carbon footprint, I realize that it may be off the table. Most of it comprised of airplane travel, but my family usually has good reasons for traveling this way, and we don't do it excessively. As for driving, this is also off the table. I feel that we already minimize our driving as much as possible, and other options are not practical. I carpool with 1-2 other people to and from school everyday, and when traveling with my family, there are 3 others in the car. I'm not a good enough cyclist to travel safely by bike, nor do I feel comfortable walking or taking public transportation, especially by myself. So it seems that what we have now is the best it's going to be for now, at least.
Hi Phoebe,
Like you, I noticed that transportation accounts for a major portion of my carbon footprint. I also feel that driving is off the table for me, but I know that I have to somehow cut down on my personal carbon emissions – it is not fair to others who are affected by this pollution. According to www3.epa.gov/…/420f13033a.pdf, passenger vehicles account for almost half of all transportation emissions while buses are responsible for less than 5%. I think we must be willing to consider public transportation, even if it is only once a week. To address your safety concerns, maybe ride with a friend or two and only take bus routes that you feel comfortable with.
Thank you for your suggestion, Nick! I will try to utilize public transportation when possible.
Our city has added new trollies that are totally electric, and they are fun to ride because they have an "old-time" feel about them.
I agree. I have the same exact problem, most of my transportation was taken up by the 8 plane rides I took this year plus I had to drive to Louisiana and back for private reasons. But I also do carpool with 2 other people so I am too doing the best I can. Although some of my closest friends live 20-30 minutes away from my house so it is not like I can walk or ride my bike there, I have to drive. But my friends that live within a mile of me I do try to walk to their houses as often as possible. I have to find other ways to reduce my carbon footprint that are not transportation related.