Bruins can be blue, gold, and on the go sustainably this fall as UCLA Transportation champions alternatives to driving alone that don’t contribute to climate change and clear the air by hosting Sustainable Transportation Month.
Driving is terribly harmful, releasing heat-trapping greenhouse gases that raise global temperatures and fuel severe weather, and creating toxic air pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
It is also inherently unsustainable because tailpipe emissions from traditional gas-powered personal vehicles cause broad environmental and social harm: ecosystem damage, health problems, and more.
Here is where the annual celebration at UCLA comes in: with events, giveaways, and a pledge drive with prizes to encourage students, faculty, and staff to try walking, biking, taking transit, carpooling, or vanpooling once in October.
Sustainable Transportation Month also reminds our campus community that transportation remains the single largest source of air pollution in California, approximately 39% to 40%, according to the state’s environmental protection agency, and that Bruins can help through better, greener commuting.
Reducing solo vehicle trips is one of the goals listed in the UCLA Sustainability Plan. With bicycling resources, several free and subsidized transit pass programs, discounted carpool parking permits, and access to a vanpool provider, it’s easy, convenient, and more affordable for Bruins to keep off the gas pedal and lower their carbon footprint.
Every vehicle off the road leads to less pollution, clearer skies, and cleaner water and soil, thanks to less leaked car fluids like antifreeze and oil, healthier communities, reduced noise pollution, safer streets, and other important benefits for people and the planet.
Pledge today on UCLA Transportation’s website to skip a solo car trip, with the added incentive to potentially win a 2-night stay at the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge, UCLA Football tickets, gift cards, and more, and show how our #1 public university is contributing to a more sustainable future.