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.
Every Trip Counts
One of the Commuting Solutions’ mottos when we talk about commute behavior change is, “every trip counts”. When people think about changing their commute behavior, they often think of it as an all-or-nothing deal. But changing commute behavior doesn’t have to mean changing how we commute every day. Start with one action — something attainable. Try biking to work one day a week throughout the summer, taking the bus to work once a week, or forming a carpool to use every other week with coworkers.
The Environmental Impact of Cars
As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a good time to think about why these small behavior changes can have such a large impact on our environment and our air quality in the northwest metro region. The transportation sector is responsible for 34 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted in the Denver Metro area, according to the Priority Climate Action Plan released by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) in March of 2024.
A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. Multiply that by the number of residents in our beautiful region and it’s easy to see how that’s a problem. 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 car for a bike, you’re already making a huge difference and that’s just one trip!
Small Steps For a Big Change
If you aren’t a cyclist, there are other options that will both reduce your carbon footprint and save you money while doing it! Carpooling is a great option for a sustainable commute option and reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. It’s estimated that sharing a ride with one other person will reduce carbon emissions by over 8 pounds! Vanpooling is another option for those traveling more than 10 miles one-way. To find a carpool that works for your commute, join the My Way to Go network to find commuters in your area. If you’re interested in joining a vanpool, learn more on the Way to Go website.
To make a difference for the environment, you don’t have to sell your car. Simply look at your commute and see what small changes you can make for the benefit of our environment. Whether it’s driving to the nearest bus station and commuting by transit the rest of the way, finding a carpool, or committing to bike to work a couple of days a week, there is an option that works for your commute! If you need help finding a commute option that works for you, contact us at info@commutingsolutions.org and we can help you craft a smart commute so you can start implementing positive change for the environment this Earth Day.
If you’re excited to spread the word about sustainable transportation options to your co-workers, consider joining our Workplace Commute Ambassadors program, where you’ll receive information and support to help with your efforts.
Local Earth Day Events For the Whole Family
Broomfield’s Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the planet with your friends, family and neighbors at the Broomfield Earth Day Celebration! Stop by the Broomfield Library to participate in eco-themed activities for all ages such as:
- Bike repair station
- Community seed swap and seed starting station
- Water conservation programs and rebates
**Commuting Solutions will be hosting a table at this event. We hope you’ll come by and say hello!
Lafayette Earth Day, Every Day Celebration!, Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for Lafayette’s Earth Day, Every Day celebration at Bob Burger Recreation Center parking lot and Open Space Outdoor Classroom (111 W. Baseline E Lafayette CO, 80026). The event is a family-friendly and interactive celebration to create a more sustainable Lafayette. Invite your friends and family to this free event, open to all ages. From food trucks to a scavenger hunt, there is something for everyone.
- Explore over 50 eco-exhibitors
- Bring your kids to a nature-themed concert by local performers Jeff and Paige
- Shop from local vendors at the Sustainable Makers Market
- Explore your wild side at the Live Animal Programs with birds of prey and snakes
- Learn about alternative modes of transportation at the Electric Vehicle Showcase
Visit the Earth Day, Every Day event page for details and a complete schedule. See you there!
** Commuting Solutions will be hosting a table at this event. We hope you’ll come by and say hello!
10th Annual Longmont Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for our 10th Anniversary, Planet vs. Plastic-themed, FREE family-friendly event!
As always, there will be fun for the whole family, with upcycled arts and crafts projects, Ecological Virtual Reality Experience from the SVVSD Mobile Lab, educational booths, and baby goats from Growing Gardens.
We’ll have music, food trucks, and more! Follow our facebook event for updates.
