Week of Apr. 21, 2008

Everyday ways to ‘green-up’ your life

As King County celebrates Earth Day on April 22, it’s a good time to think of ways to green-up your everyday activities. Climate change is a global effort tackling some very big issues, but every little step really does make a difference.

This is especially true when it comes to your own transportation activities. Here are some tips from the King County Department of Transportation (KCDOT) to show you just how easy it is to be green:

• If you’re already commuting by public transportation, congratulations – you’re personally making a dent in greenhouse gas emissions. An individual switching to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds. Calculated annually, it’s more than the combined carbon emissions reduction that comes from weatherproofing your home, installing energy efficient appliances, and using environmentally friendly light bulbs.
• If you’re still commuting alone, try taking the bus or train just one day a week. Metro makes it easy to figure out the best way with its online Trip Planner. Remember, one daily commute alone equals an average of 20 extra pounds of emissions.
• Maybe the bus or train isn’t the best option for your commute, or you need a way to get to and from public transportation hubs. That’s where Rideshare Online can help you find a carpool, vanpool, or vanshare to eliminate some of those drive-alone miles.
• Doing all you can to save gas, but still driving to pick up your bus pass every month? Why not go online, instead of standing in line? Metro offers convenient pass sales options both on the Internet, or you could walk to a local retailer near your home or work.
• If you’re a bike rider, a must-have publication is the King County Bicycling Guidemap. It tells you how to get from here to there all on two wheels. Also, check out information about combining bike trips with Metro bus or van travel for true multi-modal travel.

When you do need to drive your car, KCDOT’s Fleet Administration Division has some great tips for doing it cost effectively and environmentally friendly.

• You can improve your gas mileage by as much as 30 percent without getting a new vehicle by changing your driving habits, keeping your vehicle well maintained, and getting rid of excess load and drag.
• The greatest amount of tailpipe pollutants are released during the “cold start” phase, or the first few minutes it takes a car to warm up. Cars warm up faster when moving, so limit warm-up time and combine trips to reduce the number of cold starts.
• There are other good reasons to avoid idling. An idling engine delivers zero miles to the gallon. Idling consumes from a half gallon to one gallon of fuel per hour, and wastes more fuel than turning off and on your vehicle engine. Idling for two minutes uses the same amount of fuel it takes to travel one
  mile.
• Plan routes to minimize mileage and/or traffic congestion, and avoid sudden stops and jackrabbit starts. Drive within the speed limit. Keep your tires properly inflated – check tire pressure monthly. And, practice preventive maintenance.
• To minimize drag, avoid driving with the windows open and using roof or rear-mounted racks. If you sometimes need to transport large items, use a removable rack or if possible, carry the items in the trunk or inside the vehicle. Remove heavy items from the vehicle when you don’t need to carry them.
• The type of vehicle you drive can make a big difference in your carbon footprint. If you are thinking of purchasing a greener vehicle than you have now, consider several factors.
• How green is the vehicle?
• What is the lifecycle cost of the vehicle?
• How much more will it cost?
• Will you recover that extra cost over time?
• What kind of technical support/repair service is available (check the mfg warranty)?
• How will you be using the vehicle?
• If it's a hybrid vehicle, how long will the battery last?
• How good is the service warranty?
• Is there technical support available in your neighborhood?
• What’s the MPG or MPG equivalent on the vehicle?

There are many volunteer opportunities in King County, and here are a few sponsored by KCDOT:

• Can you dedicate two Saturdays a year to help keep your community green? If so, consider volunteering as a member of the Adopt-A-Road Litter Control Program sponsored by the King County Road Services Division.
• The King County Landscape Enhancement Program is another Roads Division program that offers an opportunity to adopt a section of roadway landscaping and improving it’s health and appearance through litter pickup, weeding, and sometimes watering or planting new vegetation. Well-maintained roadside trees and other plants not only make a community look good, they also help clean the air, filter stormwater runoff and reduce the impacts of global warming.
• When you call the Illegal Dumping Hotline, the county is able to quickly coordinate a clean-up response. Illegal dumpsites can attract rats, are dangerous to children, can pollute our rivers and streams, and may contaminate wells.

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