Many do not think of the impacts associated with our daily commutes. But Western sustainability leaders are joining Ontario-wide calls to take a week to think about their commute.
The 21st annual Clean Air Commute, organized by Pollution Probe, challenges workplaces to commute to work by walking, biking, taking public transit or carpooling from June 17-23 in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
In London, approximately 37 per cent of the city’s annual greenhouse gas emissions are a result from transportation. Approximately 4-5 tonnes of emissions are produced per vehicle annually, which is harmful for both human health and the environment. According to City of London, 5-10 per cent of automobile trips can be reasonably shifted to non-motorized transport in a typical urban area.
London provides bike lanes and multi-use paths for cyclists in the city in an effort to encourage more Londoners to cycle. With London’s cycling network providing a range of options for cyclists of all skill levels, substituting your bike for your car is easy.
If you still don’t think you can give up your car, consider carpooling with your colleagues. Log onto London Carpools to find people in your neighbourhood or place of work willing to carpool with you. Western is one of many participating employers in the London area using this site to match drivers and riders.
For more information on Western’s sustainability activities, visit sustainability.uwo.ca.