|
Why Alternative Transportation is Important
Alternative transportation, including bicycling, walking, carpooling and taking
MetroLink and MetroBus, is becoming increasingly important. These alternative
modes of commuting to work, to school, to run errands or to recreate help decrease
the damaging effects that automobiles have on our lives. Consider contributing
to a healthier environment, healthier self and healthier community the next time
you make a transportation choice.
Healthy Environment
Air Pollution
Automotive engines emit a
number of pollutants during the combustion process or through fuel evaporation
including, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
All of these pollutants directly impair human health. In addition, hydrocarbons
and nitrogen oxides are precursors in the formation of ozone, which is itself
a respiratory irritant. Carbon dioxide is also released to the atmosphere during
the combustion process, and although it is non-toxic, it is a greenhouse gas
that directly contributes to global warming.
Source: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/invntory/overview/pollutants/index.htm (U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Pollutants) and http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/index.html (U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Global Warming)
Water Pollution
Nitrogen Oxides are one of the primary causes of
acid rain, a serious environmental problem that affects large parts of the US
and Canada. Automobiles also leave oil, antifreeze, grease and metals on streets
and driveways that are contributing nonpoint sources of water pollution.
Source:
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/index.html (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Acid Rain) and http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/watewaternonpointsources.html (U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Water)
Energy Use
Transportation is the world’s fastest-growing form
of energy use, accounting for nearly 30 percent of world energy use and 95 percent
of global oil consumption. The most significant driver of rising energy consumption
for transportation is growing reliance on the private car. In the US cars and
light trucks account for 40 percent of the nation’s oil use.
Source: http://www.worldwatch.org/features/consumption/sow/trendsfacts/2004/07/07/ (Worldwatch
Institute)
Healthy Individuals
Physical Health
According to the 1996 U.S. Surgeon General's
Report on Physical Activity and Health, people of all ages who are generally
inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately
active on a regular basis. _Regular physical activity that is performed on most
days of the week reduces the risk for developing or dying from some of the leading
causes of illness in the United States, such as heart disease. Being physically
active also helps combat problems that can result from a sedentary lifestyle,
such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, physical activity need
not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating
in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk
walking five or more times a week. Consider walking or bicycling to work or school
or to run an errand, instead of driving, to meet the recommendations for regular,
moderate physical activity.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/physactivity.htm (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Places) and http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion)
Mental/Emotional Health
Stress can have a major impact on mental
and emotional health. Early warning signs of stress include, moodiness, withdrawing
from responsibility, trouble falling asleep, poor emotional control, severe feelings
of helplessness and dependency, chronic fatigue and susceptibility to illness,
and marked change in appetite or sex drive. Some of the increased stress in our
lives today can be caused by long and taxing daily commutes. This increased commuting-related
stress may be related to the perceived increases in the rates of “road
rage.” A basic exercise program, such as bicycling and walking for transportation,
is a good stress management technique.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/mental.htm (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Places) and http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Mental Health)
Financial Health
Retail regular gasoline prices are expected to average
$2.29 per gallon in 2005 and $2.43 in 2006. As prices at the pump continue to
rise, using alternative modes of transportation will help you to save some money.
Calculate the cost of your commute
Source: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/contents.html (Energy
Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook) and http://www.commutesolutions.com/howmuch.html (Commute
Solutions of Central Texas, a business/government partnership)
Healthy Communities
When you choose an alternative mode of transportation, you improve the health of your entire community by improving air and water quality for all. In addition, people are more likely to feel safer and more comfortable when they see people walking and biking in their neighborhoods and communities. Just as with Neighborhood Watch Programs, more eyes and ears out on the streets can result in a safer, crime-free neighborhood.
Source: http://www.usaonwatch.org(National Sheriffs’ Association Neighborhood Watch).
|
