Did you know that one third of the CO2 produced in the US is from cars and trucks?
On average, a car with a 19 mpg rating, emits more than one pound
of carbon per mile. By riding a bike to work one day a week instead of driving, in one year the average commuter can reduce their carbon emissions by 10,000 lbs! Pick one day a week to bike, walk or take public transit to work. Bicycle riding isn’t only about benefiting our planet, it improves your quality of life!
Together we can all make a difference. On Your Mark respects companies that strive for building well rounded commuting bikes, who implement and/or support materials recycling programs, commuting alternative projects, and practice reduction and reuse policies as in house standards.
Here are 5 quick carbon-reducing tips:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - As Americans, we each generate about 5 lbs of trash a day! Reduce your output by bringing your re-usable coffee mugs and shopping bags to the store. Getting rid of plastic bags by bringing your own re-usable canvas bags could save the US 100 billion plastic bags annually, sparing an estimated 12 million barrels of oil.
Not only does it take less energy to manufacture a recycled product than a new one, it takes even less energy to buy previously owned goods.
2. Shop locally - The shorter the distance food travels to your plate, or goods travel to your home, the fewer greenhouse gases are produced. Decide that one day a week is "local day" and eat foods produced within 50 miles of your house and patronize your local retailers.
3. Cut down on your water usage - Water related energy can consume as much as 19% of your state's electricity, using up to 30% of its natural gas, or 88 billion gallons of diesel fuel every year. Turn off water when not in use, take shorter showers, stop unseen leakes by reading your meter, and install low-flow shower heads and aerators on your faucets.
4. Save electricity and money - Replacing one incandescent light bulb with a CFL can save $30 or more in electricity costs over the bulb's lifespan. Unplug electrical appliances such as televisions and stereos when they are not in use. Eliminating this electricity "leak" could save you 6-26% on your average montly electricity bill.
5. Increase energy efficiency at home - By keeping your air filters clean you can save up to 350lbs of CO2 or $150 per year. Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many utility companies. Purchase Energy Star rated appliances. Make sure that your home is well insulated. Poorly sealed doors, windows and attics are energy drains. Efficiency is the name of the game!
Make Energy Conservation A Priority
There's ideology and then there's reality. Make energy conservation a reality by adjusting your daily habits. Riding to work every day may not be feasible, but even one day a week can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 20%. If we all take the initiative, we can ensure that future generations will not only enjoy the beautiful outdoors as we have, but live long and healty lives!
Source: Marin Bikes
For a look at the commuting bikes we carry see www.konaworld.com or www.marinbikes.com
