Go, go, go green!

How to travel for the good of the planet (not to mention your wallet, your time and your sanity)

You’ve stopped idling, keep your tires inflated and are getting regular engine tune-ups—three things that can help reduce fuel consumption and cut down on carbon emissions. But did you know that choosing an alternative to your gas-powered car comes with many other major benefits, besides the whole “saving the earth” thing?

ENERGY TO BURN

Gideon Forman, a climate change and transportation policy analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation, knows ditching the car altogether simply isn’t realistic for everyone. In that case, he suggests purchasing an eco-friendly electric vehicle, which saves time and hassle in maintenance. “There’s just not a lot to break down on them,” says Forman. “The joke is that the only thing you ever need to change is the windshield wipers.”

COMMUTE CLEAN FOR THE GREEN

Car sharing is an excellent (and highly sociable!) way to reduce your carbon footprint. For even lower emissions and more cost savings, taking public transit and biking are the way to go.

Forman says the average cost to own a compact car in Canada is about $8,600 a year, including depreciation, which means your annual savings could be in the thousands.

FUEL YOUR MIND

Besides being an inexpensive way to travel and providing much-needed exercise, active transit—like walking or biking—is good for the mind too. In fact, a 2017 study from McGill University found that people who bike to the office are more likely to get to work on time, feeling energized. Research also shows that walking is the most stress-free way to commute.