Yesterday, the focus for our Earth Week series was growing. Some articles pointed out that increased greenhouse-gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to rising temperatures that are causing problems with our food system. Today, our fourth day of the Earth Week series, we focus on the topic of: "Transportation – Advancing alternatives to driving alone".
A healthy and well-connected transportation system is essential to promote the health and safety of residents and encourage economic development, while reducing an area’s carbon footprint and greenhouse-gas emissions.
One popular policy that covers all three prongs - health and safety, economic development, and the environment - is a complete streets policy. Buffalo, Erie County and New York State have all recently adopted complete streets policies. Now, the City of Buffalo is in the process of overhauling its land use plan and 60 year-old zoning ordinance, thus creating a perfect time for those interested in alternative transportation to share their voice on the policy. Susan Miller of Healthy Kids Healthy Communities Buffalo encourages everyone to come to the free and open Complete Streets Summit public forum tonight to learn more. CLICK HERE to get details >>
Mass transportation is another way of reducing your carbon footprint. C. Douglas Hartmayer of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) talks about how improvements in the NFTA's fleet are environmentally efficient, save money and improve safety. CLICK HERE to learn more >>
Light rail is an option for busy areas of a city. This form of alternative transportation combines the environmental and user advantages of light rail with the cost effectiveness of bus operations. Gladys Gifford talks about the Citizens for Regional Transit's (CRT) current efforts to expand regional transit and light rail. CLICK HERE to get details >>
The rise in gas prices have some vehicle owners looking to cut the cost of getting around. Enter car sharing. Adding car sharing to the mix of transportation options for those who bike, walk, or take public transportation, but sometimes need a car is a smart alternative. Taking the car sharing idea a step further, Xavier Guillaume, Fleet Manager for Buffalo Car Share, explains how non-profits can get in on the sharing. CLICK HERE to get details >>
For people looking for a carbon free mode of transportation and health benefits of exercise, bicycling is a preferred method of transportation. Lauren Piche of SUNY Fredonia Campus Climate Challenge shares how its bike lab is changing how this alternative transportation method are viewed in a college town. CLICK HERE to get details >>
To follow all articles in the Earth Week series, visit http://growwny.org/earth-day/learn.
