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How Low (Carbon Footprint) Can You Go

MetroPool Offers Ten Tips for a Greener Commute this Summer

Stamford, CT July 1, 2009 – Summer is here! And for MetroPool, Inc.—the area’s leading commuting solutions company—that means keeping the best interests of commuters in mind with some great “green� ideas to save money, reduce stress, and lower their carbon footprint while still enjoying the season.

That, combined with the effects of the economy, is increasing demand for alternatives to pricey, stressful travel for people who are looking for “staycations� ideas that enable them to stay closer to home for summer vacations.

“It’s a good time to explore commute options as a way to save money while enjoying the sites and sensations of summer with family and friends,� suggests John Lyons, president and CEO of MetroPool.  “Taking the bus or train to nearby entertainment or historic locations, or carpooling to the shore or mountains is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while still having fun.�

Following are ten tips to “green up� your commute and travel plans this summer.

1. Take public transportation.  Avoid a taxing commute by taking the train, bus or ferry.  It also offers a great way to lower your stress while enjoying a book, music or even getting in a nap. Driving for long distances puts wear and tear on your car, costs money in gas and maintenance, clogs our roads and elevates emissions. At the least, promise yourself you’ll try it for just one day a week or a month … and who knows, you may like it.
   
   
2. Carpool or vanpool. That’s right. Not only can it be more fun to travel with friends and co-workers, but it makes the time go faster and saves you money and wear and tear on your car.
   
   
3. Walk or bike to your destination. This actually works! Depending on time and distance, putting yourself in motion is the lowest-carbon option for traveling and commuting. And while you’re at it, try using the stairs instead of the elevator. You may find that the hefty gym fees you’ve been paying are an unnecessary expense.
   
   
4. If driving is your only option, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. In some urban areas and college campuses, you can even rent a car for a day. Otherwise, consider an energy-efficient vehicle like a hybrid. It still helps to lower your carbon footprint, and improve the environment, as well.
   
   
5. Maintain your vehicle!  To begin with, keep your tires inflated. Air is one of the last things you can get for free these days. Properly inflated tires will improve your car’s fuel efficiency and mileage by about 3.3%. Properly inflated tires are also safer and last 25% longer. Also, change your oil regularly, try using cruise control, and only use air conditioning when driving faster than 45 mph. Otherwise, open the windows. AC uses up gas quickly, so use it wisely.
   
   
6. Drive gently and slow down. Excessive breaking and acceleration can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 33% on the highway, and 5% when driving around town. So drive within the speed limit. It’s safe, it saves, and you get to enjoy your surroundings.
   
   
7. Drivers: Stop idling your engines. If you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic or picking up the kids at school and have been idling for over 30 seconds, turn off the engine. You get 0 miles to the gallon while idling.  So if you’re stuck in traffic, you might as well just park it! Also, avoid drive-throughs. Idling in line uses up gas unnecessarily. Instead, park the car and walk into the restaurant. You will save gas and get to stretch your legs too.
   
   
8. Work from home or try a staycation this year. The greenest commute is one you don’t make at all. Telecommute, bring paperwork home, hold teleconferences, or take online classes. It will save you time you would have spent traveling, and also tons of gas. As a bonus, you get to work in your sweats – try that on Wall Street!
   
   
9. Switch to a four-day work week. Here’s your chance for a three-day weekend every week. See if you can arrange working four ten-hour days. Or if you’re a student, try a four-day class schedule. Just one day out of your schedule make a big dent in reducing the time and energy that go into your weekly commute.
   
   
10. Pick an eco-friendly destination. Consider checking into a green hotel, camping outside, visiting a green festival, or going to a state park. Remember to be environmentally conscious wherever you go. For instance, don’t leave the air conditioning or lights on in your hotel room when you leave, and take full advantage of any recycling facilities. Above all, enjoy!

Bottom line, don’t be afraid to use some creativity. Get the kids involved, and ask your boss if you and a “Green Team� of employees can help incorporate some of these environmentally conscious plans into your work place – such as recycling, and trying green commutes, a four-day work week, paper reduction, solar panels, and lower thermostat levels, to list a few ideas.

Remember that efficiency and conservation should always be your first line of defense. So think smart. Think green and make this year the one where you’ll start to set some goals with tangible results.

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About MetroPool
Since 1980, MetroPool has provided employers and commuters with free services to encourage transportation options –car/vanpooling, walking/biking, bus/train/ferry public transit, compressed work weeks/flex hours, and pre-tax commuter benefits.  With the support of the New York State and Connecticut Departments of Transportation, MetroPool’s services are available to commuters traveling to destinations in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties in New York, and in Fairfield County in Connecticut. For information, call MetroPool at 1-800-FIND-RIDE (1-800-346-3743), or visit www.metropool.com