Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Is Carpooling Really Environmentally Friendly or is it a Myth?

A friend of mine held a job at a library in a large, public educational institution and was being harassed by an environmental group on a weekly basis because the library was not purchasing recycled paper. The fact that this cost a good deal more than the paper they were currently using which would affect struggling students did not occur to the environmental crusaders. So, though we might like to think of ourselves as altruistic human beings, the fact is that most people are not willing to inconvenience themselves to make a seemingly small impact on the environment. Carpooling is good for the increasingly toxic air and also has some very tangible benefits for participants.

instant ridesharing is the sharing of a car by two or more passengers to save resources or help the environment. How beneficial is carpooling to the environment? According to a study performed in 1998, cars contribute 48% of the carbon monoxide emissions into the air. In addition to carbon monoxide, cars also emit greenhouse gases. Any fluid escaping the car inevitably is washed into the storm drains which contribute heavily to water pollution. Cars have also been proven to be the main cause of noise pollution in the cities which can cause sleep trouble and general agitation for residents. Clearly, cars impact the environment severely and in many different ways, and every single one that is taken off the road is beneficial to building a healthful environment.

There are people who do not believe that the earth is in the bad shape that many scientists and politicians have been concerned with recently. It can be hard for some people to believe that their individual actions can make an impact. Carpooling can directly impact the quality of life of you and your neighbors which makes it even more rewarding. On average, a person spends $1000 a year on gas, SEO Services and if one were to assume that you were just sharing the car with one person and they were making you pay for exactly half their gas, you would be saving at $500. This estimate is a bit on the high side as only a portion of the mileage taken into consideration is used to get to and from work.

Additionally, not everyone volunteering their time will make you cough up gas money. Furthermore, most cars can seat at least four people, which can add considerably to your savings. Aside from monetary benefits, you will get a break from the stress often generated by driving in rush hour traffic. There is also the possibility of getting to know your colleagues better by spending some time with them every day out of the office. To find out how you can organize a carpool, visit MyCasualCarPool.com.

Getting Along with Your Car Mates

With the cost of tolls and gas beginning to eat into personal budgets, more people are turning to the carpooling option. Carpooling can help with cost cutting, but can drive you crazy if you don't get along with your carpooling mates. Before starting or joining a carpool, here are a few things that you and your fellow car poolers should consider to avoid driving each other crazy whether you have a full car or just one ride buddy:

Timing: Formalize a schedule of when and where people are getting picked up and always make sure to be on time! Don’t make your carpool group wait for you. Exchange cell phone numbers so everyone can keep in touch. Call the driver early on days when you’re not going to be using the ad-hoc ridesharing.

Car-keeping: It’s the driver’s car, so, whether you use just one car or rotate vehicles in which you travel, all passengers must respect the driver’s rules. No smoking is practically a given for most folks these days, but be sure to clarify if there’s any question. Spell out the rules with regard to morning coffee and breakfast for the passengers in your car. And don’t leave a seat full of crumbs or garbage on anyone’s upholstery. This includes tracking snow or dirt into someone’s car.

Music: There are several subjective options for this one. One group rotates the official CD supplier on a daily basis, and for another pool it’s the driver’s choice as far as musical selection goes. Some people just prefer their MP3 players. The carpool is a great chance to expand your musical horizons.

Expenses: If all car poolers take equal turns driving, then this shouldn’t be an issue. But if anyone is a passenger only, then it should be settled up front, how much and when they are expected to pay, and these payment arrangements should be adhered to .

By setting the SEO Services and following a few simple rules, you can save money on your daily commute without feeling like strangling anyone. The things outlined above are mostly a matter of consideration and common sense. Use both liberally and you shouldn’t have any problems. To find out further information about carpooling, visit MyCasualCarPool.com.