As the go green project becomes more widely known and accepted, certain questions come to mind. Despite our innovative attempts, it seems undoing the work of creative minds proves to require a height of creativity that is hard to find. Transportation comes into question. Many vehicles guzzle massive amounts of fossil fuels and emit large amounts of toxic gasses into the atmosphere. However, we have established life as such, that it requires the constant coming and going, moving of people from one area to another.
A business man may travel to as many as 4 different cities in a week, even more countries in a month, and on top of that the amount of fuel burned whilst getting from one location to another on the job, he is quite the gas guzzler. Of course, this is no fault of his own. As we branch out and reach out to those who live overseas or across the country, or even as far as the next town, we find it imparative that we are able to travel. And not the sort of travel of our forefathers. We want things faster, more efficient, time saving. This demand was the sort of spark that started the flame of what was the most innovative and important creation of our modern world, the automobile. Along with this, (and most before) came the train, the plane, and some coal burning ships. Most of these were created without the foresight of how it would effect our eco-system years down the road.
But as Global Warming becomes a common theme, and we notice fewer and fewer of our fossil resources becoming available, most have turned to the Go Green projects started internationally for answers to their fuel and energy needs. And while most scientists are more than happy to oblige, it comes at a high cost. However, there are a few solutions for the everyday man, those of us who are not as fortunate as famous tree-hugger and Eco-conservationist, Ed Begley Jr.
Even in little towns such as Panama City Beach, this tree-hugger’s home for the time being, business owners are seeing the need for a greener alternative. Pineapple Willy’s provides GEM’s (Global Electric Motorcars) for
their employees to make it from the employee parking lot – nearly a block away – to the main enterence of the restaurant. While it is a small step in what seems to currently be an uphill battle, it is a firmly rooted step in the fight for a Greener World.
For those of us who’s employers have not yet offered a more eco-savvy solution, here are seven (7) ideas to help you keep your job, and a greener tomorrow:
Carpooling.
I think we can all agree that we will breath easier with this money, fuel, and time saving idea. Instead of fuming behind the wheel of your overheating automobile, ride with friends. Not only does this save you from Road Rage, it saves you time – as carpool lanes are becoming a staple in most larger city highway layouts- and money, having only to provide your driver for that week with a little bit of reinbursment for gas money. Carpooling can prove to be less stressful on your well being as well as your wallet, and you can breath easier knowing that by simply sharing you’ve cut your personal emitions drastically!
Cycling- Getting there faster for less!
Never get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic again! Not to mention the playtime you can wrack up on your way to work each morning! Imagine getting fitter as your wallet gets fatter! Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? However, this green solution is all a win win situation. You can avoid the irritating grind of morning traffic, cut emitions and get in a work out that can both destress and reshape your whole image. Not to mention the money friendly solution of maintaining a bike as compared to a car. The average person spends close to $7,800 a year to own and maintain an automobile. Now, compare that to the $200 spent on owning and maintaining a bike and the possibility of up to $300 in commuting accessories. Sounds like a dream doesn’t it? So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a bike and get ready to watch the money roll in!
Transit
Taking Transits to work can reduce the stress of driving, while cutting down on the amount of accidents, emmtions and noise pollution as well! It is simply a larger basis of carpooling! BRILLIANT!
Telecommuting! Welcome to the 21st Century
While it is understandable that not every employee has this option, a good many do and do not utilize it! Each year more and more technology becomes available to us, why not make it work for you?! So many of our tasks can be done from home with the help of technology, and all you need is one tech savvy person to help you get set up. A Bonus if you ARE that tech savvy person. Telecommuting can cut back on the stress you feel at work by putting you in a friendlier more comfortable environment. The best way to cut back on work week emitions is to cut back on the constant commuting between the two!
Vanpooling
Carpooling on a larger scale!
Walking
Taking your foot from the pedal and putting it back on the ground where it belongs. Walking can not only save our world, but help you to discover it as well. It adds adventure as you discover your surroundings, reduces stress, and provides you with some much needed exercise that can help combat things as simple as feeling lethargic to larger problems such as heart disease! If you live close to work this is ideal! However, living far from work does not mean you are incapable of walking, it simply means you must be more creative about your methods. Walk to a transit stop, or to a carpool buddies house instead of having them come to you! This can save them gas, and provide you with a bit of exhilerating time in the morning!
Relax!
Money in the bank, clean air, time on your hands, and a healthy body! What do you do when you have it all? Oh the choices are mind boggling!
