Did you know cars make up one-fifth of all emissions in the United States, emitting about 24 pounds of carbon dioxide for every gallon of gas? U-Haul is dedicated to sustainability through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic efficiency.
Commuting to work is a daily chore that usually involves personal vehicles and freeways, but many U-Haul team members are being responsible and doing their best to break the harmful norm. There are many ways to get from Point A to Point B, but some ways leave less of a carbon footprint than others– like carpooling, biking, walking, or taking public transportation. In honor of national Earth day on April 22, we asked some team members how they get to work in Downtown Phoenix.
Pablo, a community relations intern at U-Haul, prefers biking to work.
“I decided to use biking as an alternate method of transportation because it allowed me to exercise at least 30-45 minutes a day, so it was mainly so I could lead a healthy lifestyle. I definitely think using the light rail and/or biking helps to reduce the toxic pollution that is being emitted from cars. Every little action counts to help save our environment.”
Chris, an Audio Visual Production Specialist, prefers public transportation over a personal vehicle.
“Currently I live 3.5 miles from the towers (corporate headquarters), but my home is about half a mile from the light rail so I walk and take public transportation. My choice is financial and environmental related. I figure not having a monthly car payment plus insurance and gas costs saves me at least 400 dollars a month. Environmentally speaking, I think I’m playing my part somewhat to reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants by not driving. I think using public transportation is good for the local economy and morale of our city.”
Sebastien, an External Communication Director, incorporates walking into his daily schedule 3 to 4 times a week.
“I view the decision to walk as a mixture of being economically mindful, environmentally friendly and health oriented. The few minutes of walking gives me the opportunity to collect my thoughts before I start my day and decompress before I get home.”
Ryan, a Digital Marketing Specialist, enjoys a bike ride to work instead of driving.
“I bike to work 2-4 days a week, depending on my school schedule and other errands I need to accomplish. My commute is 1.7 miles each way, it takes me roughly the same amount of time to bike as it does to drive and walk into the office from the parking lot. I’ve always used alternative transportation to get to work; [I am] doing my part for the planet.”
Do you have an alternate way to work other than a personal vehicle? Tell us in the comments below!