MOBILITY
On-road transportation is responsible for 16.1% of Philipstown’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
FACT
To have mobility is to have access. Getting to places necessary for living a healthy life—your job, school, doctor’s office, community centers, park—is possible. Here’s how to prioritize low-carbon mobility. Harvard Medical School says bike riding promotes good health. Harvard Health Publishing "The Top 5 Benefits of Cycling"
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Walk or bike
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Carpool or take public transportation
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Ditch the car or buy an electric vehicle (EV)
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Reduce emissions from your gas car
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Travel "climate smart"
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Advocate!
Be mindful about your daily movement
1. WALK OR BIKE
Help yourself while you help the environment.
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Wherever possible, walk or cycle, especially if you live in the Village
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Consider an e-bike as a fast, zero-carbon mode of transport for short- or medium-distance trips
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Visit Bike New York for lots of great advice
2. CARPOOL OR TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Even if you don't commute taking a trip into the city by train can be relaxing.
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Consider sharing your car with neighbors and coworkers
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Make do with one car per family if possible
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Ride Metro North to the city and Hudson River towns
3. BUY OR LEASE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
If you need a car make it electric.
EVs are increasingly affordable and the options from manufacturers are growing fast. There are now EVs that can go over 400 miles on a single battery charge! And the charging infrastructure is growing. There are many reasons to make your next car electric- reduced carbon emissions, especially if you are using 100% renewable electricity to charge, as well as cheaper energy costs, less maintenance, and better overall performance.
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With so many makes and models available, it can be hard to choose. Check out this great tool from the Sierra Club to find your next EV Car
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Visit Drive Electric Hudson Valley for lots of great advice
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There are both federal and state incentives to help you make the switch. Check out all the Drive Clean Rebates currently available
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Where to charge and how to charge can seem overwhelming at first. Learn about the different types of EV chargers
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Find out where you can charge on the road at Open Charge Map.
4. REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM YOUR GAS CAR
A new car at this point may not be in your financial future.
If you can’t make the switch to an electric car, consider these low-cost ways to save fuel and money..
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Driving fewer miles is a simple way to reduce emissions and save money. Try combining errands into one trip, instead of making multiple trips.
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Avoid idling your gas-powered car for more than a minute.
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Consider getting a hybrid that will give you more miles per gallon.
Air travel is impactful on everyone.
Consider your climate impact when planning your next vacation- driving is preferable to flying, especially if you can drive an electric vehicle.
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Drive to your travel destination if you can, instead of flying, even better if its electric.
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If you fly, try to use public transportation or a shuttle bus from the airport.
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If you must rent a car, opt for a smaller, more energy efficient car.
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Offset your flights if you must fly. Consider purchasing carbon offsets.
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Work with your employer to reduce business travel: Consider if multiple trips can be combined into one, or using virtual meetings instead.
5. TRAVEL CLIMATE SMART
6. ADVOCATE
People are the focus and our future depends on it..
We have built our towns and cities around cars, not people. It’s time to advocate for what we want. Better quality mobility options. Less dependency on cars. To be able to safely walk and cycle. And cleaner air for everyone.
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Join Philipstown Trails Committee
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Tell your school district you want them to make the switch to Electric Buses
It’s time to take action! For more information and advice on how to reduce your on-road transportation GHG emissions, contact Climate Smart Philipstown’s Mobility Committee: climatesmartphilipstown.org/energy csphilipstown@gmail.com