Last year I took the pledge to take transit to work so MyLittleCar and I could reduce our CO2 emissions. From my new home, the commute to work takes 45-60 minutes via skytrain and bus, one way. But that’s okay, ‘cuz it’s better for the environment.

Secretly, I’m also hoping, that by taking transit I might be able to prolong the life of MyLittleCar who in car years, is quite ancient.

Oh, I know, it would be even better for the environment if I traded in my 18-year old car for a ‘good-for-the-environment’ Prius or a SmartCar, but I’m also very conscious that a whole lot of Mother Earth’s resources go into producing a car. Is it ethical to get rid of a perfectly good car (that only has 150,000 kilometers on it) and use more of Earth’s resources just to have the ‘newer better’ model?

Do you want to protect nature but don't know where to start? You invent the future every day with the choices you make about transportation, food, and energy use. Let's choose wisely. Join the David Suzuki Foundation Nature Challenge today and learn more about how to protect your quality of life.

Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations
Try leaving your car in the driveway for just one trip a week. Cars are the largest source of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. Each day Canada’s 14 million cars lead to greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Save on gym fees. A 125-lb. person walking at a brisk pace for only 30 minutes burns 150 calories; a 196 lb. person burns 235 calories. Visit the Walking Calorie Calculators.

Get fit. Thirty minutes of walking per day cuts the risk of heart disease by up to half, and reduces the risk of some cancers, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

Learn more. Walking is a great way to get to know your neighborhood and community. In addition the pace of walking is conducive to visiting or contemplation.

Cycle your way to a healthier planet
Many of our car trips are for distances less than three kilometers - well within the range of an easy bike ride. In just 15 minutes the average person can bike 3.5 km. Here are some other benefits to cycling to your destinations:

Get there quick! For trips of up to 10 km, cycling is usually the fastest way to travel within the city. Save $$$. It costs about $200 per year to maintain a bike, plus an additional $300 for accessories - compared to $7,500 the average Canadian pays to own a car.

Share the drive!
More than 12 million Canadians use transit, which helps alleviate traffic congestion and improves air quality. Transit is cheaper than driving: A family using transit can save an average $586 in auto expenses each month!

Carpooling is another great option: Carpooling replaces up to four cars and causes less air pollution. Carpool lanes allow you to bypass traffic congestion so you arrive on time with less stress. Carpooling also saves money since passengers share gas and vehicle expenses.
Figure out your savings with the Carpool Calculator and search for other commuters in your area with the Carpool Tool.

Telecommute into the new millennium!
Telecommuting is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to work.
According to consulting firm InnoVisions Canada, about 1.5 million Canadians telework from home at least once a week. If a million telecommuters worked from home just one weekday each year, Canada could save some 250 million kg of CO2 emissions; 100 million litres of fuel; and 800 million fewer kilometers of mileage on our roads. Visit the Canadian Teleworker Association if you are thinking about telecommuting to get some tips.