Aside from going green at home, one of the best places to think about how you are impacting the world around you is at the office. That is why the next few posts are dedicated to nine easy and cost efficient ways to sustain the green while on the way to work, while you’re at work, and the best part of the work day, going home.
The more the merrier: The first tip for going green at work is probably one of the most known, but least used, which is surprising since this one has the potential to put money back in your pocket. I’m talking about a good ol’ fashioned carpool. By traveling with other co-workers at your own office, not only are you reducing the amount of carbon monoxide released on your daily commute, but you and all your road pals are saving money. Obviously the more people in the car, the more the weight of the vehicle and therefore your miles per gallon may decrease, but you will still be consuming less fuel than if everyone in the carpool crew took their own wheels to work. If you don’t know anyone around you who works close to your office, check sites such as www.eRideShare.com
Take public transportation: This option may not be available to everyone out there, but if you live in a large metropolitan area, more than likely you have access to public transportation. Here in San Diego there are buses, trolleys, and trains. Sometimes you have to take all three to get to your place of work, but that is why there are monthly passes allowing for limitless transfers. It may cost about the same as driving and take a little longer, but think about how much we would cut back our footprint if everyone did it.
Not for the light of heart: I’ll just come right out with it, ride your bike. For some, this is not an option. I travel about 20 miles each way on the highway to get to work, so riding my bike every day is kind of out of the question, at least in my opinion. If you have a short commute and don’t have to travel on high speed, heavily trafficked roads, or maybe you’re just uber hard core like that, ride your bike.
So when you wake up in the morning and head out the door for another nine to five, ask yourself if you are doing everything you can to make your commute a little more green. Next up, how to sustain the green while at work.
