Cars produce a massive amount of pollution, and burn a serious amount of energy, with the majority running on gas and oil. Cutting down on the amount and frequency at which you drive can help you save money, and reduce your carbon footprint, but it may take a little planning ahead.

Now that the school year is back in session, it is the perfect time to start carpooling. Carpooling means fewer cars on the road, less gas being used, and fewer emissions. Try organizing rides to school with other kids in your neighborhood. See if a coworker lives nearby and suggest carpooling to work.

If you cannot find anyone to carpool with, consider trying public transit! Many cities have amazing public transit systems, and riding the bus is a great way to feel a deeper connection to your community and to save on gas!

Did you know…

• Reducing your weekly driving by just 25 miles can save 1,500 lbs of CO2. If you and three coworkers carpool, and each drive 25 miles less each week, you will collectively save over 6,000 lbs of CO2 emissions
• The average household uses 1,143 gallons of gas per year
• The current average price of gas is $2.57, meaning the average household spends around $3000 in gas every year