Alternative Transportation

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

STE(A)M Activity - Livable Communities: Conducting a Walk Audit

CREATE YOUR OWN - Submit Lesson Plan here   or utilize a previous lesson created by DIG from our Lesson Library.

Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Alternative Transportation Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

Modern transportation is a huge part of our daily lives. However, it poses significant negative impacts to both our environment and our health. Combustion engine powered vehicles emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), and particulate matter, all of which heavily contribute to air pollution and poor air quality. Additionally, they also release greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane gas, and nitrous oxide, contributing and exacerbating climate change and all of its negative effects that come along with it. Apart from physical pollution, transportation generates an extreme amount of noise pollution which can disrupt sleep patterns, increase stress levels, and negatively affect mental health of not only us humans, but all of the animals experiencing the noise pollution as well. 

Why should we care?

Daily transportation just so happens to be the largest contributor to the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions with around 30% of the entire nation's emissions coming from transportation. Aside from its major release of greenhouse gasses which contribute to climate change, transportation's release of other air pollutants increases the risk for the development of diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and respiratory cancer. Therefore, not only does air pollution coming from transportation play a huge role in climate change, but it also significantly impacts public health, especially for those who live on or near busy streets or in big cities. 

What can we do?

Transportation is a huge part of modern society. However, it is crucial that we collectively do our part in order to try and reduce the negative effects that transportation causes. If you have the means, you should use public transportation, such as busses, taxis, or trains, walk places, bike places, carpool, switch out your gas powered personal vehicle to an eclectic one, or try to use any other form of transportation that can be used by multiple people at once, or one that doesn't produce any pollution from its use. All of these options help to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, as well as reducing vehicle congestion on the roads. Businesses and organizations play an important role in implementing transportation programs as well. For example, some schools implement transportation programs for their students and staff that help to cut emissions and improve air quality around campuses. Additionally, initiatives such as “Bike to School Day”, which is implemented in some schools, not only enhances public health, but it also reduces harmful emissions released by other forms of transport.