Taiga Company

In 2003 the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that Americans took 1.1 billion trips per day.  They also reported that 78% of these were in single occupant vehicles.  It is estimated that motor vehicles account for roughly 50% of urban air pollution and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. All contributing to climate change, air pollution, and disease.
 
Sustainable businesses looking to reduce cost and integrate sustainability concepts in business operations are looking to commuting alternatives to do the trick.
 
Telecommuting is working from a remote location (generally ones home workstation) using computers and telephones rather than commuting via automobile or other mode of transportation to and from an employer's work site to perform equivalent work. 
 
A second option: coworking.  Coworking is a gathering spot for individual entrepreneurs or employees from multiple companies sharing a common work space.  Coworking works in a variety of ways with facilities offering a personal desk or workstation for a few hundred dollars a month.  Not only do you get a place to sit, but also a range of business services and equipment at your disposal, including fax machines, photocopiers, printers, and wi-fi Internet access.   In addition, many coworking facilities provide free coffee and snacks, lectures and workshops, and group activities. Some have conference rooms available, phone and receptionist service, mail delivery, and other amenities more typical of an office suite.
 
A personal favorite: bike commuting.  Two recent post offer ideas to embark on a successful bike commuting  program.   Top 10 Benefits of Bicycle Commuting Programs for Businesses, explores bike commuting benefits to employers while the post, 10 Reasons to Bike Commute to Work, gives employees ideas and inspiration to ride to work. 
 
As explained in our business sustainability programs, the benefits of alternative transportation include:
 

• Conserving Energy.
• Preserving the Environment.
• Improving Worker and Public Safety.
• Reduced commuter traffic  which also reduces toxic gases and dust particles spewed into our atmosphere as well as chemicals washed into our waterways, wells, and rivers.
• Reduce parking cost.
• Reduced carbon emissions.
• Reduce turnover: Employers who appreciate workers' personal needs have less employee turnover.

 
Exploring alternative transportation for workers can result in reduced cost for the business but also positive gains for the environment.