The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee would like to thank all who participated in the Alternative Transportation Challenge on Sunday, May 18, to lower our transportation carbon footprint—by biking, walking, carpooling, using public transit, driving a hybrid or electric vehicle, or participating in an alternate challenge. Members were on hand with their electric and hybrid vehicles, along with a biking champion, to share information.
Of the 231 people completing the May 18 transportation survey, 54 changed the way they typically travel to ELPC, and 135 were already using one of these lower CO2 emissions methods. Travel methods used were:
- Biking @ 19
- Walking @ 31
- Public transit @ 17
- Electric vehicles @ 13 people in 8 cars
- Hybrid vehicles @ 35 people in 18 cars
- Gas vehicles @ 116 people in 74 cars
- 67 people completed an alternate challenge
Without more detailed data about how every individual typically travels to ELPC, we were not able to calculate exact CO2 emissions savings. We did calculate that compared to single-occupant gas cars, our CO2 emissions on May 18 were lower by about 3/4 ton of CO2, the equivalent of 76 gallons of gasoline burned, or 11 trees planted and grown for 10 years.
Please consider continuing these changes on Sundays and in your daily routines! If you are purchasing a car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. We can make an impact by working together to care for God’s creation, and help reverse inequities caused by climate change.