Did you know that walking is good for both your health and the environment’s? By walking instead of driving, we can reduce exhaust emissions from automobiles. This is especially true when we must run errands requiring commutes of less than one mile. It is far better to walk than to drive, on these shorter trips. Lace up your best pair of walking shoes! We can all work together to reduce the impact of greenhouse emissions on global warming, by walking more and driving less.
When you start an engine, it is still cold and emits the most toxic exhaust. This is because the emissions control equipment has not yet reached its optimal operating temperature. On very cold winter days, your car might not warm up to optimal efficiency until you’ve driven at least 10 miles.
Driving results in traffic which contributes to noise pollution. Undesirable or distubing sounds are classified as noise. You may not realize how much traffic impacts noise. They can cause a myriad of problems ranging from concentration difficulties, stress, discomfort or trouble when hearing what others are saying. Older cars or motorcycles have a larger noise impact than newer ones. Therefore, choosing to walk instead of driving can help eliminate traffic sounds in our communities.
When we walk, we don’t contribute to traffic congestion or accidents. Traffic is greatest around workplaces and schools typically at starting and quitting times during the day. If you are able to walk, bike, or take public transportation, you should. If your kids go to school close to home, you could walk them to and from school.
Walkers can also help the environment in other ways. When we drive, we don’t focus on the environment, as we have to pay attention to traffic and driving safely. By walking, we tend to pay attention to things as litter or other degrading factors in our area. Walkers can pay more attention to the landscape, such as vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and the like. Through doing this, we can either make voluntary efforts or take part in community groups to clean up these problems.
As well, walking keeps us healthier! Walking regularly can help prevent strokes and heart attacks. It helps relieve stress—which is a major cause of multiple health problems. Commuting on foot regularly helps make us stronger and more energetic. Who knows, if a significant number of people who commute short distances walked instead, there may be fewer trips to the local hospital emergency room.
