{"id":13100,"date":"2019-09-12T10:26:59","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T14:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=13100"},"modified":"2019-09-12T10:27:01","modified_gmt":"2019-09-12T14:27:01","slug":"green-your-transportation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/green-your-transportation\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Your Transportation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent years, the transportation sector has surpassed power plants as the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the US. The low cost of fuel, American\u2019s desire for bigger vehicles, and continued sprawling development that requires more individuals rely on automobiles to move around has driven a steady uptick in vehicle emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes the transition to an electric or hybrid vehicle one of the more effective things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. If you\u2019re among the 83% of Americans<\/a> who drive regularly, it\u2019s now easier than ever to switch to electric and hybrid vehicles that emit roughly a quarter<\/a> as much CO2 as gasoline powered vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Electric
Plugged In Electric Vehicle Charging via Noya Fields\/Flickr Creative Commons 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why make the change? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike traditional vehicles, electric vehicles\ndo not release any exhaust emissions when driven. This means that they not only\nreduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they also eliminate dangerous air\npollution that causes smog and other health and ecological risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even better, drivers can cut their emissions down to zero by charging electric or hybrid vehicles through renewable energy such as solar, wind, or hydropower. That\u2019s why Mass Audubon now provides electric vehicle charging stations<\/a> at many of our sanctuaries across the state, all powered by renewable sources. It\u2019s also why we support An Act to Secure a Clean Energy Future<\/a>, which sets zero-emissions standards for state-owned or leased vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond helping save the planet, a greener vehicle can save your wallet as well. On average in the US, the cost of fueling your car with electricity is less than half<\/a> the cost of fueling your car with gasoline. (You can even charge your car for free at the Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a> or Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a>.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric vehicles are also more reliable<\/a> and cheaper to maintain than traditional vehicles. If that\u2019s not reason enough, when you purchase a new electric vehicle you can receive up to a $7,500 tax credit<\/a> from the federal government, and for those purchasing before September 30, 2019, \u00a0an additional $1,500 rebate<\/a> from the state of Massachusetts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How else can I help? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone can switch to an electric or\nhybrid vehicle today, but fortunately there is still much you can do to fight\nclimate change during your daily travels. Carpooling or taking public transit instead\nof driving even a few times a month can reduce your carbon footprint. Walking\nor biking shorter distances when possible can help to eliminate it entirely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working from home once or twice a week can also\ngo a long way towards a greener future, with telecommuters in 2017 preventing 3 million tons<\/a> of greenhouse\ngas emissions from entering the atmosphere. If you do use a traditional car,\nproperly inflating your tires, driving slower, and avoiding idling can save on\nboth emissions and expenditure at the gas pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pledge to Green Your Transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ready to be a climate hero? Take the Green Transportation Pledge<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\npledge to do any (or all) of the following:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n