It is estimated that motor vehicles account for roughly 50% of urban air pollution and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that Americans took 1.1 billion trips per day. Of those trips, 78% of these were in single occupant vehicles.
As you can probably guess, one of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint is through personal transportation choices. As a sustainability consultant, we advise clients on ways to incorporate alternative transportation into a more sustainable lifestyle.
Besides reducing personal emissions, managed fuel consumption saves money. Reducing miles on the road through alternative travel, carpooling, and telecommuting are all great ways to manage personal consumption. In addition recent government incentives have made the purchase of more fuel efficient vehicles even more attractive.
• The new "cash for clunkers" program is intended to revive anemic U.S. auto sales and remove the number of gas-guzzlers from the roads.
• Buyers can also claim as a tax deduction the sales or excise taxes on a new vehicle purchased in 2009.
• A modified credit for qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles purchased after Dec. 31, 2009.
• Hybrid vehicles purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400.
An important aspect of creating a business or personal sustainability plan is finding the right incentives to keeping a program going. As a sustainability consultant, I encourage clients to look for the economic benefits as well as the personal satisfaction of a sustainable lifestyle.
No matter what the incentive, taking action to reduce miles on the road makes a big difference. Follow what inspires you to take action to implement sustainability concepts into your daily living. If you get stuck and need help along the way, Taiga Company’s personal consulting is here to help.
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