Transport
Introduction
Everybody has to travel to their school. A lucky few can simply walk down the road, but for some it can take much longer.
If you are able to, changing the way that you get to school is a great way of helping the environment. Transport is the major contributor to pollution in the first world.
The Problems
Cars and other vehicles run on petrol and other fuels. All of these fuels are come from crude oil, which takes millions of years to form deep in the earth's crust where remains of sea creatures are subject to high temperatures or high pressures and decay to form oil. This oil is then distilled and purified into petrol and diesel.
The problems with using petrol include:
- It produces carbon monoxide which is a toxic gas
- Unburnt petrol escapes from exhausts which may contain benzene which is a carcinogen
- Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur are released which enter the atmosphere and cause acid rain
- It causes smog in cities - smog contains chemicals that irritate the lungs
It is estimated that the average car produces nearly 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide as well as a multitude of other harmful chemicals such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and also lead, which damages the nervous system. Therefore it is critical for the survival of the planet that we cut the distance that we drive down to the absolute minimum.
The Greener Ways to Get to School
Obviously if you live many kilometres away then it is not practical for you to walk to school, however if you live within a couple of miles of your school then you can! Here are some ideas of how you can get to school in a greener way:
Walking
If you live within a 2 mile radius of your school then you could walk. It would only take you 30 minutes and if you walk with all your friends as a group then it can also be fun. Walking is a great way of improving your fitness and it gets your heart beating faster and you breathe more. By not using the car you are lowering your carbon emissions and decreasing your carbon footprint.
Cycling
If you live within 5 miles of your school then you can cycle. Most people have bikes that are gathering dust in their garages, so why not use them to get some exercise and save the planet. Cycling is even better for you than walking and helps build leg muscles.
Some parents think that it is dangerous for their children to cycle to school if there are busy roads or many crossings; however the majority of children are able to take a cycling proficiency test called BikeAbility in primary school that teaches them how to be safe on the roads.
Buses
If you live more than 5 miles from your school then you can get a bus. Buses are cheaper than driving and also have less of an impact on the environment. One bus does produces more pollution than one car, however as you are sharing the bus ride with dozens of other people the emissions per person are far lower.
Carpooling
When public transport is not an option, carpooling is more economical and environmentally friendly. Encourage each other to see who else lives near you, and to try sharing lifts instead of all driving independently.
- Atkinson, J., & Hibbert, C. (2000). AS Level Chemistry for AQA. Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers.