Did you know that walking is good for both your health and the environment’s? We can reduce automobile exhaust emissions by choosing to walk instead of drive. For errands less than a mile away, this is especially true. For these short trips it is best to leave the car at home and walk instead. It is critical to have a great pair of walking shoes. If we walk more and drive less, we can all work together to reduce the impact of greenhouse emissions on global warming.
Cars emit the most toxic exhaust when the engine is still cold, particularly immediately after being started. This occurs because the car’s emissions control equipment has not reached its optimal temperature. On very cold winter days, your car might not warm up to optimal efficiency until you’ve driven at least 10 miles.
Noise pollution is caused, in part, by driving. What is noise? It is any type of sound that is disturbing or undesirable. The adverse effects of traffic sounds are far greater than one may realize. Noise pollution can cause a plethora of problems, including stress, discomfort, pain, difficulty concentrating, and problems hearing other people. Older cars (and motorcycles) cause a great deal of noise pollution. Therefore, choosing to walk instead of driving can help eliminate traffic sounds in our communities.
By walking, we can help reduce traffic congestion and accidents. Traffic is greatest around workplaces and schools typically at starting and quitting times during the day. If you are able to walk, bike, or take public transportation, you should. Parents should also walk their children home from school whenever possible.
Those who walk may be enticed to help benefit the environment in other ways. When we drive instead of walk, we must focus on driving safely, instead of the environment. Litter is much more visible to walkers. Walkers become more alert to neglect or abandonment of vacant land or buildings. When we See Problems, we can also take action to clean them up.
Walking can also keep our community healthier! Regular exercise, such as walking, can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It helps relieve stress—which is a major cause of multiple health problems. Walking also helps make us stronger, and have more energy. Who knows, if a significant number of people who commute short distances walked instead, there may be fewer trips to the local hospital emergency room.
