Our cities don’t need cleaner cars, but rather fewer cars. Causing gridlocks and air pollution, cars are a public health hazard and can be such a nuisance. Carbon footprints could be cut back significantly if we just made some slight changes to our lifestyles and side with fellow pedestrians and cyclists. Yes, our cars are an efficient mode of transport from getting us from A to B, but the number of cars currently on the road is having a negative impact on the environment and the world in general. If we could reduce the number of cars on the road, even just a little by car sharing, then this would have a beneficial impact on the environment.
So what can you do to help reduce vehicle pollution?
1. DRIVE LESS
Think about it, the fewer the miles, the fewer the emissions. Where possible, try and avoid any unnecessary driving. It sounds obvious, but why drive when you don’t need to or maybe think about combining your trips into just one journey. We’re not saying stop using your car altogether, but perhaps before you go anywhere, just ask yourself, “Do I really need to use the car?”. A good tip is to do what you need to do either online or by phone. Don’t just go shopping or drive simply because you’re bored.
2. ON YOUR BIKE
If you’re going on a short trip, why not consider cycling? It’s actually a lot quicker than public transport and it for sure beats sitting in traffic in your car. Not only will you benefit from the exercise and the fresh air, but you also might even get to your destination a lot faster. Riding a bike is also fun, now you might not have been bike riding since you were a small child, but don’t let that stop you from hopping back on it. If it has been a while, maybe take a short easy trip to start off with and don’t forget to inflate your tyres as you’ll go much faster with good tyre pressure.
3. COUNT THE STEPS
A lot of people actually despise walking, but if you’re going on a short trip, less than a mile, then why not enjoy some fresh air and get the steps in by walking. Physical exercise is great for both your physical and mental health and also provides you with a lovely break from those everyday fast-paced activities.
4. HOP FOR A CAR SHARE
If you drive, or your friends drive and you’re going to the same place, then why not go together and travel in the same car as opposed to driving separately. In doing this, you can share the costs and reduce emissions, as well as congestion. You could opt for a car share for just about anything these days, for example, going to work, shopping and even taking the children to school.
5. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you find that you need to go somewhere and there’s an option for you to either take a bus or the tram, take it. You should consider using public transport where possible instead of using your car. Although you might not enjoy taking public transport, travelling on public transport is a great way for you to catch up on some alone time, read a book or magazine perhaps, catch up on work emails, sleep or even take up a new hobby.
Of course, the most obvious answer would be to not drive at all and for everyone to sell their cars to help reduce the traffic as well as the environment, but we’re not asking you to do that. However, if the time has come for you to sell your car, perhaps you’re purchasing a new one or your selling due to opting for car-sharing, whatever it may be, we are here to help you and our car selling guidance section covers everything you need to know.
