Sustainability | September 22, 2023

Celebrate World Car-Free Day and Reduce Air Pollution

As a consultant specializing in planning and managing sustainability projects for commercial building owners and operators, Mantis Innovation supports this initiative and invites you to join us in celebrating World Car-Free Day. Here are some of the benefits and tips on how to participate in this event.

Did you know that every year on September 22, cities around the world celebrate World Car-Free Day? This is a global event that encourages people to leave their cars at home and use more sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, public transit, or carpooling. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise, while also promoting health, well-being, and community.

Benefits of Going Car-Free

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution causes about 4.2 million premature deaths every year, mainly due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Transport is one of the major sources of air pollution, especially in urban areas, where vehicle emissions contribute to smog, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful substances. By going car-free for a day, you can help reduce these pollutants and improve the air quality in your city.

In addition, going car-free can also help you save money on gas, parking, maintenance, and insurance. You can also enjoy the physical and mental benefits of active transportation, such as burning calories, improving your fitness, reducing stress, and boosting your mood. Furthermore, going car-free can also enhance your social interaction and connection with your neighborhood, as you can meet new people, discover new places, and appreciate the local environment.

Tips on How to Go Car-Free

If you are interested in joining the World Car-Free Day movement, here are some tips on how to go car-free for a day:

Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast, plan your route, and schedule your activities accordingly. If possible, try to avoid long or complex trips that require multiple modes of transportation. You can also use online tools or apps to find the best options for walking, cycling, or public transit in your area.

  • Choose your mode: Depending on your distance, destination, and preference, you can choose from various modes of sustainable transportation. 

  • Walking is the simplest and cheapest way to go car-free, and it can also help you relax and enjoy the scenery. 

  • Cycling is another great option that can help you cover more ground and improve your cardiovascular health. You can use your own bike or rent one from a bike-sharing service. 

  • Public transit is another convenient and affordable way to go car-free, especially if you have a longer or more complicated trip. You can use buses, trains, subways, trams, or ferries to get around the city. 

  • Carpooling is another alternative that can help you reduce the number of cars on the road while also sharing the costs and socializing with others. You can use online platforms or apps to find carpool partners or join existing carpool groups.

Join Us in Celebrating World Car-Free Day

At Mantis Innovation, we believe that going car-free for a day is not only good for the environment but also good for you. That’s why we encourage you to join us in celebrating World Car-Free Day on September 22 and experience the benefits of sustainable transportation. You can also learn more about our services and how we can help you improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of your commercial buildings here.

We hope you enjoy this event and share your stories and feedback with us. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and ourselves.