Transportation
Transportation accounts for a huge amount of the CO2 emissions released into our atmosphere. Cars and other methods of gasoline fueled transportation release greenhouse gasses that hurt the environment and taint the air we breathe. Both local and global pollution would be reduced if each person pledged to use his/her car 30% less. This is a responsible, individual contribution to a global problem. At least 30% of vehicle use is optional and walking, biking, or using public transportation would be a better choice. Car exhaust contains pathogens such as carbon monoxide and benzene, both which can be very dangerous not only to the environment but also to humans. (http://www.nutramed.com/environment/carschemicals.htm) Cars make up thirty percent of the carbon dioxide in our planet’s atmosphere ("The Car, Pollution, and the Environment.")
The organization our D-Term group visited was called the Austin Yellow Bike Project. This organization is “an all-volunteer initiative to put bicycles on the streets of Austin and Central Texas by operating community bike shops, teaching bike mechanics and maintenance, and acting as a local bike advocacy group.” (http://austinyellowbike.org/) People around Austin and Central Texas can donate used or broken bikes to the organization, which takes the bikes apart and builds new bikes which are spray-painted yellow, giving the organization its name. These brand new bikes are given to poor or homeless people as a more energy efficient and mentally freeing way of getting around. We had the privilege of volunteering there, and taking apart the bikes. It is a hard job, but is very beneficial, and very fun!