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Purchase carbon offsets for travel

Traveling by air, train, or bus consumes a large amount of petroleum fuel and generates pollutants and greenhouse gases. You can purchase carbon offsets for travel; the funds generated support a variety of environmental initiatives that compensate for the negative environmental impacts of travel. There are many carbon offset providers, and you can often choose which projects you want your purchases to support. Some travel providers even allow you to purchase offsets when you purchase your tickets. Learn more about the carbon footprint of different modes of long-distance travel.

Choose a "staycation" instead of flying to a vacation destination

The staycation, or vacation at or near your hometown, has become very popular in recent years. The benefits of a staycation include saving fuel and electricity, eating more healthy and local foods, supporting local businesses, and gaining appreciation for attractions near your hometown. Learn about some staycation ideas.

Telecommute at least once a week

Telecommuting is a term that means simply, “working from home.” The EPA states that telecommuting improves customer service, reduces traffic congestion, and reduces energy consumption. Learn more about the benefits of telecommuting.

Carpool at least once a week

If you carpool to work every day with a co-worker, you could cut your gas consumption and vehicle emissions in half! Talk to your neighbors about sharing rides to common or nearby destinations. Ask the parents of your children’s friends and teammates if you can share driving duty for school and extracurricular activities. Click to learn about the Commuter Choice program, which can help you start your own carpool.

Use public transportation at least once a week

Instead of driving a car to work and school every day, use buses, metros, trains, and other forms of public transportation as much as possible. Click for more information on public transportation in Frederick County.

Learn about Commuter Choice, a program that provides incentives for Marylanders using public transportation and carpooling to get to work.

Use alternate transportation such as walking and biking at least once a week

You can eliminate your fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions related to transportation by walking or biking to work or school every day. Click for more information on biking and pedestrian transit in Frederick County.