May Green Tips: More Sustainable Transportation

The Green Team is happy to focus on a topic we’ve never featured before – more sustainable ways to get from A to B. Did you know there is a common payment system for the Bay Area public transportation system? Did you know that Bike to Work Day and Bike to Wherever events are happening all throughout May? Read below for more information and maybe get inspired to give it a go!

Bike to Work Day!

For over three decades, the Bay Area has celebrated Bike to Work Day, which has now been extended to Bike to Wherever Day and includes a full month of bike-related activities. People who bike to work are reported to have better blood pressure, insulin levels, and triglyceride levels, and regular bike commutes can have mental health benefits, positively impacting your overall well-being and reducing the risk of mental health issues. This year’s Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 15. For more information on how to get involved in this or any of the events that happen in May, click HERE.

Use Public Transportation

The San Francisco Bay Area boasts a complex and extensive public transportation network, including rapid transit (BART), commuter rail (Caltrain), light rail (Muni Metro, VTA), bus services (Muni, AC Transit, SamTrans, VTA), and ferry services. A universal payment system, the Clipper Card, is accepted by most agencies, simplifying fare payment.

Maximizing car trips

Even if getting to work through alternative transportation isn’t an option, there are other things you can do to reduce your transportation footprint. To make the most of a day out using just one car, it helps to plan an outing that turns everyday errands into meaningful quality time. Bringing someone with you will make the trip less of a chore and more of a shared experience. Combine trip priorities, use Google Maps to save trip time, fill up the tank and then begin the fun. An example of a smooth trip would be starting the day with a brunch at a favorite local spot with good food and drink, aesthetically pleasing decor and even better conversation. From there, stroll through the farmer’s market together, sampling fresh produce and maybe picking up some fun accessories or unexpected art pieces. Before wrapping up the to-do list with a quick grocery and house supply run, make time for a pause. Head to a nearby park or marina, spread out a blanket, and break out a deck of cards or a board game. It’s a simple way to slow down, laugh a little, and turn a practical day into something more memorable.

Shopping on foot

Consider shopping locally and by walking. Shopping on foot is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent overconsumption. Walking to local grocery stores and farmers markets can avoid the headache of parking and can help you save money on gas. One additional benefit to walking to buy your produce is that you can only take what you can carry, which can eliminate food waste. Green Team Member Gauvri does all her shopping on foot and ends her week with minimal to no food waste as she buys only the ingredients she needs for a meal or two and focuses on smaller purchases instead of bulk buying items that can expire quickly. Next time you need to go shopping, consider going on foot to get some exercise and practice sustainable transportation!