Sustainably getting around . . .
Burning fossil fuels, like gasoline and diesel, releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide produced by humans in energy production, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation is causing an increase in the greenhouse effect of our atmosphere resulting in a rise in average global temperature. While scientists aren't sure exactly what the climate is going to do in response to this temperature change, the predictions don't look good. For this reason all of us have a responsibility to start now reducing the amount of fossil fuels we use. Transportation is one of the key places we can begin.
Consider your legs. They are the most sustainable form of transportation available. The average human walks around 3-4 miles per hour, so you could probably cover a mile in just 15 minutes. That's pretty fast. Moreover, your legs are very convenient. You have them wherever you go. But if you have to get there faster (and in our modern world most of us do!) riding a bicycle is a good alternative. These days there are bikes of every shape and size to fit every individual. Both walking and bicycling have virtually no impact on the environment, are very inexpensive compared to driving, and are terrific for your health.
Unfortunately, many of us live outside of walking or even biking distance from work and other places we need to get to. If you're in that situation, hopefully you have some alternatives to driving your car. There used to be electric trolleys in urban areas throughout America. Today's electric trolleys are called light rail and are much faster, cleaner, and more efficient than their early twentieth century predecessors. Light rail is a perfect choice for the urban commuter on the go. City busses are still an inexpensive and more energy efficient way of getting around and with the advent of biofuels there is a real possibility of carbon neutral bus lines in the near future.
Many of us live in situations where we currently still have to drive. Some alternatives to burning fossil fuels in our cars are still more expensive and difficult to implement, but that is rapidly changing. Biofuels are derived from plant products, usually seed oils or corn. If you have an older car the conversion to burning biofuels may be quite expensive. However, if you own a diesel, you may not have to do anything to run biodiesel. If its time to replace your car you have more options. Many new vehicles are rolling off the assembly line capable of running varying mixes of gasoline and ethanol, and receive labels like "flexfuel" or "E85." Hybrid technology dramatically increases fuel efficiency, which saves you money while reducing environmental impacts. The future is bright for the implementation of new fuel and transportation technology, but human powered transportation will always be the least expensive and environmentally friendly option.
Packing the Pavement - Could we use our roads more wisely? The vitality of a city comes from its pedestrians, not its cars. Cars consume enormous amounts of space and radically change the landscape. By JIM BEAMGUARD of The Tampa Tribune
Dept of Energy Alternative Fuels Site