Ride a Bike. Take a Carpool. Ride a Bus. Save the Earth.
April 22 is Earth Day. This annual event can serve as a reminder to take actions that are beneficial to the environment and stop harmful ones. There are many opportunities to appreciate and honor our beautiful planet by taking part in local Earth Day celebrations (we’ve listed some below). Additionally, many people enjoy setting aside time to plant a garden or tree or volunteer to clean up trash in their community. Others will contemplate alternative energy options for their homes, start incorporating more plant-based meals into their diet, or donate to environmental causes.
When we consider the big picture of global environmental challenges, it can seem overwhelming and hopeless. Large, systemic change needs to occur (and people are working on it). However, it’s important to remember that even small adjustments to our individual lifestyles and habits can have a significant impact. Here at Commuting Solutions, where we live and breathe regional transportation, we’d like to offer up a few ideas for how we can all make a difference when it comes to getting around.
The Environmental Impact of Driving a Vehicle
As we celebrate Earth Day, it is a good time to think about why these small behavior changes can have such a large impact on our environment and air quality.
A typical person emits an average of 14 tons of CO2 per year (Association for Commuter Transportation). Every gallon of gas emits roughly 24 pounds of carbon dioxide between the production of the gas and the smog that comes out of tailpipes. In comparison, one 4-mile bike ride keeps roughly 15 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into our atmosphere. By swapping your vehicle for a bike, you’re already making a huge difference and that’s just one trip!
The My Way to Go platform can help you quantify your impact! Create an account to track your trips, and the platform will show you how many pounds of CO2 reduced, money saved, calories burned, etc.
Traffic Congestion is Growing
Increasing levels of traffic lead to longer travel times, higher pollution, and reduced quality of life. As cities grow, without increased use in public transit and sustainable commute options, congestion worsens which ultimately strains resource’s and hinders economic efficiency.
Every Trip Counts
Every trip counts! When people think about changing their commute behavior, it may seem like a big undertaking. But remember, you can start with something that is attainable for you! For example, using a shared or sustainable commute mode just 2x per week reduces CO2 emissions by 10%!
Take a step towards helping the planet by using sustainable transportation for just one day. Whether it’s taking the train instead of driving, biking to a friend’s place, or exploring other green alternatives, every little change counts!
Small Steps for Big Change
There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money while doing it!
Carpool
Carpooling is a great option for a sustainable commute option and reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. You can find carpool partners by joining the My Way to Go network!
Vanpool
Vanpooling is a shared transportation option where a group of people commute together in a van, typically organized by a company, agency, or a transportation service. Commuters can connect if they travel over 15 miles to work. Way to Go’s vanpool program will provide the vehicle, insurance, fuel and maintenance to commute by van to work and home. Vanpoolers will select drivers and share the monthly fare equally between vanpool members. A variety of vehicles, from minivans to 15-passenger vans, are available. Each group can customize each vehicle to suit their specific needs. Vans can be modified by adding features compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Are you interested in creating or joining a vanpool? Feel free to contact Alexis Travers at alexis@commutingsolutions.org.
Walk or Bike
Make the most of your commute by using the Bike Northwest online Map to explore a wide network of walking and biking trails designed to make your journey easier and more sustainable. The map highlights the best routes for cyclists and pedestrians, providing detailed information on trail locations, connections, and bicycling facilities that connect to the US 36 Bikeway and beyond.
Transit
Plan your trip effortlessly using the RTD Trip Planning Tool! This user-friendly tool allows you to easily map out your entire commute, whether you’re traveling by bus, train, or a combination of both. Simply input your starting location, destination, and desired arrival time, and the tool will provide you with the best routes, schedules, and connections.
Making a positive impact on the environment doesn’t require giving up your car entirely. Start by examining your commute and identifying small, achievable changes that benefit the planet. Whether it’s driving to a nearby bus station and switching to public transit, carpooling, or biking to work a few days a week, there’s a solution that fits your routine!
Take Part in the Earth Week Challenge
Pledge to walk, roll or ride sustainably in celebration of Earth Week!
From Monday, April 21 through Sunday, April 27, swap your solo-driving trips and travel green. Visit MyWayToGo.org/s/Earth-Week to begin tracking your trips! All trips count, including your trips to work, the grocery store, a local park or other favorite spots. By participating, you’ll earn a unique Earth Week badge and get entered into a prize drawing for goodies from Compost Colorado and Nude Foods!
Local Earth Day Events for the Whole Family
Broomfield’s Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Discover, learn and take action for a greener future at the Broomfield Earth Day Celebration—bring your friends, family and neighbors! Stop by the Broomfield Library Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to noon to participate in eco-themed activities for all ages such as:
- Community seed swap
- Bike repair station (bike repair registration required)
- Electric vehicle (EV) ride and drive (EV ride and drive registration required)
- Energy Experts Speaker Series
- Mulch giveaway (bring your own buckets)
- Community and CCOB organizations tabling
Lafayette Earth Day, Every Day Celebration! Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The City of Lafayette invites residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about how to protect the Earth, fight climate change, and create a more sustainable Lafayette. The Lafayette Earth Day Celebration will be held on April 26th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 111 W. Baseline Rd. Lafayette, CO 80026.
This family-friendly event will have a variety of opportunities for all ages to enjoy.
- Shop at a Sustainable Makers Market
- Tour our Outdoor Classroom
- Jeff and Paige Science and Nature-Themed Kids Concert
- Storytime with Lafayette Library
- Live Animal Programs
- Learn from electric vehicle owners
- Raffles and prizes
- Scavenger hunts
- Food trucks
- Over 40 eco-exhibitors and more!
11th Annual Longmont Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for our 11th Anniversary, Our Power, Our Planet-themed Earth Day Event! This event will be held at 233 E. Mountain View Ave, Longmont, CO 80504 from 10 am – 2pm. It is FREE and family-friendly, presented by Premier Members Credit Union, and features:
- A performance from Jeff & Paige
- My Nature Lab
- Animal Ambassadors from the Longmont Humane Society
- Alpacas
- Clothing Swap and Collection – bring your old clothes, all conditions accepted
- All Ages Bike Ride
- Upcycled Arts and Crafts
- Educational Booths
- Dancing
- Food Trucks & MORE
Erie Arbor Day and Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Arbor Day/Earth Day event is a FREE event sponsored by the Town of Erie Parks Division, the Town of Erie Sustainability Division, Town of Erie Tree Board, and the Town of Erie Sustainability Board.
Potential Activities Include:
- 27th Arbor Day Anniversary Recognition
- 56th Annual Earth Day Celebration
- Certified Arborist Q & A Booth
- Free baby trees and plants
- Information from the Erie Tree Advisory Board
- Information from the Erie Sustainability Advisory Board
- Kids Activities
- 5th Grade Poster Contest Winners
- Residential & Community Solar Information
- Utility Solar Rebates & Net Metering Benefits
- Prize Drawing
- Local Vendors & Food Trucks
Superior Earth Day Clean Up Volunteer Project, Tuesday, April 22, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
If you are committed to improving your community, this is an opportunity where you can make a difference! We are seeking volunteers to help remove debris and litter along Coal Creek and the trails in Original Town.
