As of 2021, transportation produced about 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The pollution comes both from on-road engines, such as cars and trucks, and from off-road engines like airplanes, boats, snowmobiles, lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Here are some ways to cut the emissions from your own trips and yard work.
Consider an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles save money on fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions. There are a few types to choose from:
- All-electric vehicles run entirely on a battery that has to be charged. Depending on the model, one charge can carry you anywhere from 150 to 400 miles.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles pair a gasoline engine with a battery-driven electric motor. To get full use of the car, you need to plug it in and charge it. These vehicles can travel up to about 60 miles on battery power alone before switching over to gas.
- Hybrid electric vehicles combine a battery with a gasoline engine. Gas runs the engine, and the battery recharges through regenerative braking, so this type is never plugged in.
Buyers of electric vehicles may qualify for federal tax credits. The amount depends on when the vehicle was bought and how it was manufactured. A lookup tool on the federal government's fuel economy website can tell you whether you are eligible.
Many people considering an electric vehicle worry about where to charge it. The U.S. Department of Energy offers an online map of nearby charging stations, and the regional clean cities coalition shares more information about clean transportation.
Switch to Electric Lawn Equipment
Electric mowers, trimmers and blowers run on electricity instead of gasoline and come in both battery-powered and corded models. Compared with gas equipment, they are quieter and lighter, and they produce fewer carbon emissions.
Ride With FredRide
Getting around town with FredRide, the city's shared ride service, helps lower carbon emissions because more riders share fewer trips.
Avoid Idling
An idling engine adds to ground-level ozone, which can harm your health. A few easy habits help:
- When the drive-thru line is long, park, switch off the engine and walk inside.
- Shut the car off while you wait in the school pickup line.
- Try not to let a parked car run for longer than 10 seconds.
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