Without vehicles, it would be difficult to work or take care of our families. For most individuals, being without their vehicle for even a day or two creates an enormous inconvenience. However, even though reliable transportation is vital to our everyday lives, it also has drawbacks.
We’ve learned that the existing modes of transportation require enormous amounts of energy, for example, fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, oil) to power vehicles on the roads. Many recognise that these very automobiles cause a lot of pollution, which impacts the environment and leads to health complications. The health risks from pollution include increased hospitalisations and deaths. Numerous diseases are linked to air pollution, such as lung cancer, respiratory infection, stroke, and heart disease. Promising innovative technologies could be the ultimate solution, but before such innovations come to fruition, the world can play a significant role by utilising Eco-friendly modes of transportation obtainable.
While we cannot give up all modes of transportation, there are more eco-friendly and economical transportation options to get around. Green transportation options are discussed below.
Modes of Green Transportation
Though it is much more comfortable and convenient to drive one’s own private vehicle to the office or market, being a responsible citizen one should opt for green transportation that is easily accessible and cost cheaper to everyone. Let’s look at some of the modes of green transportation available in this age.
Bikes
Bicycles are an age-old method of getting to the places you need to go. These modes of transportation are so beneficial to the environment that you never have to worry about them negatively impacting the environment with loud noises of harmful carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere. Some of the advantages of bicycling include:
It costs much less to produce bicycles and bicycle parts compared to motor vehicles
Bicycling is the lowest cost of transportation, other than walking
Riding a bicycle has health benefits
However, bicycling also has some disadvantages. Weather conditions can make it difficult or dangerous to ride a bicycle. Also, the lack of bicycle lanes can increase the risk of a bicycle accident. Bicyclists have very little protection if they are hit by a vehicle. The risk of injury and death is higher in a bicycle accident.
Electric bikes are great modes of green transportation because they don’t release any harmful emissions into the environment. With an electric bike, only light peddling is needed. The speed of electric bikes is greatly regulated by law, though. Some countries limit electric bike speeds to 20 mph. Still, in other countries, you must have a special registration, license, and insurance to be able to ride an electric bike.
Scooters and Hover Boards
Nowadays fans of low-impact transportation, such as scooters and hoverboards can be eco-friendly transportation options in certain situations. They are smaller in weight and size than other motor vehicles. They are also more fuel-efficient and require fewer resources to build. Electric scooters are particularly popular among riders, mainly because they’re safer than hoverboards yet less bulky than bikes. However, people on the heavier side tend to worry that this type of transportation might not hold their weight. But actually, there are scooters for people heavier than 250 or 300 lbs, and this makes it accessible for weighty riders as well.
At present, there are a dazzling array of electric scooters available on the market. We need to choose one that suits us according to our actual situation and budget needs, instead of blindly following the trend, which may be counterproductive.
When using electric scooters and hoverboards, you must abide by the rules of use and it is best to take relevant protective measures. The same thing should be done when using other means of transportation. We must know how to protect ourselves, safety should be put in the first place.
Public Transportation
Although some buses and other public transportation have raised concerns in the past, it has been used as an example of green transportation for many years.
Public transportation typically follows the same model as carpooling. Using trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation can reduce greenhouse emissions by reducing the number of motor vehicles on the road.
As electric rail travel and electric buses increase in use, the benefits to the environment from public transportation also increase. There have also been more recent developments to public transit that would qualify them as green transportation, such as electric trolley cars and trains. Depending on where you live, your city or state may already be implementing some healthier solutions to transform transportation systems.
Other benefits associated with public transportation include:
Reduce energy consumption
Reduction in air pollution
Decreasing noise levels
Reduces traffic congestion
Low-cost transportation option
Millions of people rely on public transportation each year, which also helps ensure people can work and provide for their basic needs.
However, there are some disadvantages to public transportation. Public transportation can be unreliable at times. There can also be a lack of seating or long wait times for a ride. It can be combined with e-scooters or bikes for commuting.
Walking
This may be the most simple solution there is. Walking has zero impact on the environment. Just walk! Save yourself money by walking to your local destinations. Walking can lead to a healthier life and can be quicker and more convenient in areas that have heavier traffic. Walking can be faster than taking public transportation in some cases. Walking is also great exercise, helps you clear your mind, and doesn’t require a schedule to do. Buy stable walking shoes and shoe inserts if you need extra support. Help the environment by getting those legs moving with family, friends, or even a solo stroll.
However, walking can also add to the time it takes you to get to your destination. If you are traveling long distances, walking takes a lot of energy and stamina. Also, if you need to carry items, walking may not be your best choice of transportation.
Conclusion
Green transportation has wide-ranging benefits – environmental, health, economic and individual budgets. Usually, we can combine various modes of transportation for daily traffic, which can save you money and time, and it is also environmentally friendly. Why not do it?
We should all be pitching in to help preserve the planet. Eco-friendly transportation isn’t the only thing you can do. Making small adjustments to your daily living could go a long way.