The Greener Way To Get There

The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG The greener way to get there Among planes, trains, and automobiles-all's not equal when it comes to their emissions. So what's the greenest way to get around? It depends on how far you're traveling. We break down the carbon footprint for a solo traveler embarking on different trips in various vehicles. Carbon Footprint (Pounds of co2 Per Trip) GOING THE DISTANCE Long-Distance Trip (2500 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to New York Large SUV (12 mpg) 5200 3475 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 2700 Typical Car (23 mpg) 1950 Efficient Car (32 mpg) Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 1350 2500 Miles Average Train 1025 Electric Car 1025 (Charged on the grid) Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 2500 miles 931 Wide-Body Jet 425 Bus SHORT AND SWEET Short-Distance Trip (350 Miles) Roughly Los Angeles to San Francisco 728 Large SUV (12 mpg) 487 Typical SUV (18 mpg) 378 Typical Car (23 mpg) 273 Efficient Car (32 mpg) 350 Miles 222 Regional Jet Hybrid Car (46 mpg) 189 Average Train 144 Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions ... for 350 miles 144 Electric Car (Charged on the grid) Bus 60 AROUND TOWN Cross-City Trip (20 Miles) Typical Car (23 mpg) 21.6 Diesel Train Electric Car 8. 20 Miles (Charged on the grid) Electric Train Carpool in Typical Car (4 passengers) Bus Carbon Footprint Pounds of CO, emissions for 20 miles Bicycle Why So Different? Energy use and emissions from transportation are determined by four main factors: • Type of fuel or energy source • Type of vehicle • Distance traveled • Overall system infrastructure Considering a Detour? Whenever possible, opt for nonstop flights. Takeoff, landing, and ground operations add a significant amount of emissions to a trip. More landings equals more emissions, Thinking About an Upgrade? If you're considering air travel, think twice before upgrading to that first-class seat. Seats in first-class or business-class areas take up more space, reducing the number of passengers that a flight can hold. Passengers in those seats are responsible for a greater portion of the plane's emissions. Going With Company? Because per-passenger carbon emissions decline as the number of passengers rises, it definitely pays to carpool. A driver in a car alone assumes all of the vehicle's emissions, but if a spouse, friend, or whole family tags along, it can dramatically reduce the per-passenger footprint. ROAD WARRIORS Though large vehicles like buses and trains put out greater emissions than the average car, those emissions are shared among the larger vehicle's passengers resulting in a smaller carbon footprint per person. So what if you can't take public transit? An electric car wins out. Hybrid Car (such as Chevy Volt) Electric Car Charged on Electric Grid (such as Nissan Leaf) Typical Gas-Fueled Car pounds of co/mile pounds of co /mile pounds of 1.08 0.54 0.41 co./mile When you're driving them around, electric vehicles are emissions-free because they don't burn anything, but they do have an ongoing carbon footprint when they're charged on a coal-fired grid. Multiple studies confirm, however, that the environmental impact of doing this is still dramatically lower than driving a car with a combustion engine. Plus, the generates CO2 at a "point source" (a power plant) where it's a bit easier to control and clean CO2 emissions versus a "non-point source" (cars) where CO2 emission are harder to capture and clean. THE GREENEST RIDE OF ALL So what's the best way to get around with the smallest carbon footprint? Charge an already- eco-friendly electric car using solar panels. Even a small home solar: electric car for up to 15,000 miles a year. Larger systems can power even more. can charge an 1-2 kW 3-5 kW 15.000 miles for an electric car Zero dollars for Again, because electric cars are typically charged on the coal-fired grid, they still have somewhat of an ongoing carbon footprint, but if you charge your electric car using solar panels your ride is totally emissions free! household electricity One Block Off the Grid SOURCES: TIMEANDDATE.COM, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS, NPR, PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GROUP DISCOUNTS ON SOLAR HTTP://1BOG.ORG