Clean Nova Scotia’s DriveWiser program encourages all Nova Scotians to participate in World Car Free Day on Thursday, September 22. Transportation is one of the principal drivers of climate change accounting for 27 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions . Choosing emission-free modes of travel can greatly reduce our collective impact on climate change, air quality, and public health. The average car emits more than 1,000 pollutants causing acid air, pollution, cancer, lead-poisoning and a variety of bronchial and respiratory illnesses . You can do your part by choosing active, emission-free modes of travel such as walking, cycling and rollerblading or let someone else do the driving, choose public transit or carpool, as opposed to single occupant vehicle travel.

The median, straight-line distance for commuters to their workplaces in Nova Scotia is 8.4 kilometres and for those in Halifax, it is 6.5 kilometres . Vehicles use more fuel and create more emissions per kilometre on short trips. These short trips can easily be completed using other modes of transportation such as cycling and public transit.

This Thursday September 22nd give Car Free Day a try and explore car-free living*.

*Warning: Side-effects may include enhanced well-being, frequency of social interaction and significant cost savings.

For more on Car Free Day visit www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd. Learn more on driving, buying and maintaining for fuel efficiency by visiting www.drivewiser.ca.