As warnings from scientists about climate change grow more frequent and more urgent, you may be wondering how you can do your part to reduce carbon emissions and help save our planet. In fact, replacing driving with bicycling can play a significant part in helping clean up the environment.
In addition to the personal benefits of bicycling such as exercise, fresh air and lower costs, bicycling may play a major role in how individuals can help reduce their impact on the environment.
How Much Of An Impact Can Bicycling Make?
It’s clear that bicycling over driving is more environmentally friendly, but how much of an impact are you making when you choose to pedal instead of drive? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single car emits about 404 grams of carbon dioxide per mile and will expend approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
In addition to carbon dioxide, most automobiles produce other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide, both of which have a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide, according to the EPA. That means choosing a bike over a car can help improve air quality and decrease the overall amount of greenhouse gas released into the environment.
What Are Some Other Benefits Of Bicycling?
Bicycling can do more than just reduce greenhouse gas emissions, too. Biking instead of driving can also reduce landfill waste from car parts and decrease the need for more roadways which can negatively impact the natural environment.
A Forbes report on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated that bicycling more often in an effort to change the way we move and manage land will be crucial in helping combat climate change and global warming. So, the next time you head out the door, grabbing a bike helmet instead of your keys could help save the world.