It all starts with changing for one day. You would be surprised with the dramatic improvement in the quality of life if everyone would make an effort to curb their commute to an eco-friendly mode even if it only last from sun up till sun down!

Last year, over 900 commuters in the Big Bend area alone pledged to use a commute option for at least one day during Commuter Choices Week. Their total efforts eliminated nearly 5,446 work trips, and 83,907 vehicle miles. They also saved $37,436 in transportation cost ($8,111 just in fuel), and kept an estimated 37 tons of pollutants from being emitted into the
air!
A number of commute options are available for those interested in participating. It can be as easy as a walk, or bike ride. According to a study by the Worldwatch Institute, a four-mile round trip bike ride keeps 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air. Organizing a carpool or vanpool can minimize traffic congestion, and save on gas. Teleworking and worksite flextime, which allows employees to personally set arrival and departure times, can also reduce traffic clogs. Public transportation can help build the community. Usage of public transportation increased by 21 percent during a six year period, from 1998-2003. A 2004 study by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) found that for each dollar invested in public transit six dollars is generated in local economic activity, and supports roughly 47,500 jobs.
What starts with Commuter Choices Week will initiate a change to a cleaner, better future. Listed below are facts about the impact of traffic pollution, and congestion on the community and the environment.

Traffic congestion caused 5.7 billion gallons of wasted fuel and 3.5 billion hours of lost productivity. Together traffic congestion cost the nation $69.5 billion; $4.5 billion than the previous year. - 2003 Urban Mobility Report

About 160 million tons of pollution is emitted into the air each year in the United States. - EPA, 2002 Air Trends Report

Approximately 146 million people live in counties where monitored air in 2002 was unhealthy. - EPA, 2002 Air Trends Report

 

Automobile emissions are the number one source of air pollution in Florida. - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

 

Smog levels commonly found in American cities during summer months can damage the lungs and airways, causing them to become inflamed, reddened and swollen. - American Lung Association, State of the Air 2003