Transportation is the second biggest monthly expenditure for most people. It accounts for 1.42 billion cars in operation globally. With such a high concentration of vehicles, it's no surprise that our transportation sector is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA states that transportation accounts for 27 percent of total emissions in the US alone. In recent years, car-sharing services have become popular as an environmentally-friendly alternative to vehicle ownership. This article explains in detail how car sharing impacts the environment.
How Car Sharing Works
So, how does car share work? To begin, determine which car-sharing companies if any, exist in your area. You can search for “vehicle sharing” with your city's name on Google or Wikipedia.
Once you've chosen a car-sharing service you'd like to join, such as Avail, you'll need to determine their membership requirements. If you meet the requirements, fill out the online form, get a card for unlocking the cars, and be ready. You need to know where the vehicles are and how to reserve your ride. Different companies have different rates depending on the state and distance covered.
Impact Of Car Sharing On The Environment
Use Of Electric Vehicles
Car-sharing businesses mostly use electric cars. Because you don't have to pay for gas, this is a popular choice. Gas cars emit 80% of their emissions through their tailpipes. The tailpipes of electric vehicles emit no pollution. In addition, because they are typically smaller, they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions during production.
Reduced Pollution From Car Manufactures
More people using the exact vehicle means fewer automobiles need to be made, distributed, and used, and fewer parts need to be built, disseminated and used. According to the United Nations Environment Program, vehicle manufacturing is more harmful to the environment than any other good, including cattle husbandry and steel production. One of the most significant environmental benefits of ride-sharing is that it decreases the need to manufacture more automobiles.
Effect On Climate Change
You drive less when you share a car since you aren't compelled to get into your vehicle for small errands. As a result, car sharing can help cut down on the total number of kilometers driven and the amount of gasoline consumed. Because burning gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a crucial cause of climate change, automobile sharing can help stop what may be the world's most serious environmental problem.
More Green Space
Due to a reduction in the number of vehicles being purchased, there is no need for infrastructure for parking, such as parking lots, garages, and on-street parking. In an urban environment, residential street parking and parking infrastructure take up a lot of lands. Fortunately, around 28,000 cars have been removed off the road due to car sharing. There will be additional possibilities for urban green spaces in cities where car sharing takes off. In urban locations, extra green space can help air quality and temperature.
Reduction In Noise Pollution
Car sharing assists in reducing noise pollution. Research indicates that noise pollution contributes to health issues such as high blood pressure, stress, and hearing loss.
Water Pollution Is Reduced
Automobiles, too, contribute to water pollution. According to the EPA, automobile and truck exhaust emits nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which causes acid rain that is damaging to our lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Reduced Soil Pollution
Driving a car contributes to the pollution of the land and soil. Cars leak oil, petrol, and other auto fluids, contaminating the ground and environment. Toxic substances in these fluids can harm the environment and wildlife. Pollution is reduced by driving less and using electric vehicles with a car-sharing app.
Suppose you want to avoid the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle, decrease your environmental imprint, or de-stress and simplify your life. In that case, car sharing can be a terrific choice since it offers you financial, social, and lifestyle benefits.