Motor vehicles are embarrassingly inefficient. Did you know that of the energy that is consumed, at least 80 percent is lost, and that at most only 20 percent is actually used to turn the wheels?
Surprisingly, transportation accounts for half of individual greenhouse gas emissions. The everyday actions of Canadians produce more than one-quarter of our country's total greenhouse gasses. These gases irritate our lungs & eyes, contribute to the depletion of our ozone layer, contribute to the greenhouse effect and reduce agricultural and forest productivity. While air quality has improved in some areas - due to improved emission controls on cars - the growing rate of vehicle purchases and kilometers driven are leading to declining air quality in Canada and across the world.
The trick is to use your vehicle wisely to limit its negative impact on the environment and your pocketbook. Don't despair as Fernie, luckily, has some great options:
* Get on the Bus
o The new Elk Valley Transit system (www.busonline.ca) is now in effect, running between Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie from Monday to Friday, three trips per day.
o The Health Connections bus offers an inexpensive way to travel to Cranbrook from the Elk Valley for health appointment and for personal use when space is available. It's only available Wednesdays & Fridays and you have to book ahead.
o Don't forget about Greyhound (even though it can take sometimes double the time it would take you to drive) it's a great way to catch up on some reading, work on your laptop or just plain relax.
o Smokey Mountain Ski Shuttle runs a r egular shuttle service between the town of Fernie and the Ski Resort
* Learn to Share
o Fernie Ride Board is a free ride-sharing website for people living in or traveling from Fernie. At FernieRideBoard.com people who are moving in the same direction can arrange to share a vehicle. When you use Fernie Ride Board, you save money, save the planet and turn your travel into an adventure.
* Harness the Power of Plants
o Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be used in any diesel engines and is available in Sparwood through Agri-Green Biodiesel. Commonly made from virgin soybean oil, biodiesel is proven to reduce unhealthy emissions and green house gases associated with petrol-diesel. This eco fuel offers an immediate opportunity to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions.
* The Magic of your Thumb
o Hitchhiking is a great way to meet the diverse community that calls Fernie home. An essential form of travel to and from the ski hill for the thrifty and those concerned with energy-saving. Hitchhiking can be a safe and fun form of travel as long as you take the necessary precautions. Reduce the impact of your vehicle by picking up a hitchhiker today. .
* Walking & Biking
o Sometimes a challenge in the winter months, these are probably the most reliable modes of transportation, even if it's not always the fastest way to get from point A to point B. It's good for you, too; relieving stress and burning calories. And it's cheap. It allows you to trade an snow covered icy vehicle, for the joys of the incredibly beautiful walkable & rideable streets of Fernie .