Take the Train

Ever explore taking the train as an alternative method of getting where you are going? It is a simple way to reduce your carbon output.

Photo: Maciej Laska / istock

By Brian Clark Howard

Ever explore taking the train as an alternative method of getting where you are going? It is a simple way to reduce your carbon output.

Consider this:

If you drive an average of 20 miles each way a day, and half your trip is in stop-and-go traffic, your monthly commute produces 910 lbs of CO₂ emissions, even if your car is brand new.

That amount is the visual equivalent of 12, 20-lb. bags of charcoal briquettes.

It would take a grove of 142 sugar maple trees to neutralize your carbon contribution to greenhouse gas build up every month.

If, however, you did the same trip daily by commuter rail, your monthly transit carbon footprint would be almost two-thirds less: 328 lbs of CO₂ or the equivalent of four bags of charcoal, offset by 51 trees.

So do yourself and the planet a favor and take the train.

Think rail for vacation travel, too, instead of hopping a plane for a short trip.

You can calculate and compare your own transportation emissions at Travel Matters.

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