Air pollution and CO² emissions are hot topics in the motoring world. New greener models designed to lessen the impact on the environment are on the market. However, they still contribute to air pollution. So, how do your do your bit to keep the air clean but still get to work?

Feet first

Walking is not only environmentally friendly, it’s free, it’s good for your health, anyone can do it, and you don’t need any special equipment although a comfortable pair of shoes would be handy. The health benefits of walking can improve your fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease (source: British Heart Foundation (BFH). So, put your walking shoes on, take a walk five times a week for at least 30 minutes and you’re on your way to a healthier you.

Walking is good for the body provided you keep yourself safe. When you are walking to and from work in the winter months, wear reflective, high visibility clothing. Make sure you stick to safe routes avoiding any routes that may put you in danger.

If walking to work isn’t your cup of tea, then why not get on your bike?

Pedal power

Cycling to and from work is good for your health, the environment and kinder on your wallet/purse. The initial outlay for your bike could cost around £100 (unless you decide to spend more) and that’s about it. There are no petrol costs. If you take a minute to do the math, you can work out how much you could save on petrol. For example, if your car averages 30 miles per gallon and the distance to and from work is 30 miles, you would spend roughly £5 a day on petrol. That’s £25 a week or over £100 a month.

Spread the good news

You don’t have to do it alone. Get the company you work for involved in a cycling scheme. Local authorities are even getting behind green transport with subsidised cycling schemes. For example, the Take a Stand Scheme run by Transport for London helps provide employers with free cycle stands.

There could also be a tax advantage for cycling to work. Your employer may be able to get a tax-free bike thanks to the green transport scheme.

For more information about cycling to work, visit Sustrans. Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity and coordinator of the National Cycle Network.

Remember to take the appropriate precautions when you are cycling on the road so that you arrive at work safe and sound.

Walking and cycling are just two green transport options. There are a number of schemes designed by the Department of Transport to cut down on the number of air polluting cars commuting daily. These schemes include preferred parking to car sharers, cycle spaces for cyclists, and work flexibility that allows you to work from home, which requires no travel at all.

Public transport

Admittedly, walking or cycling in the rain or snow isn’t much fun. Why not try taking the train or bus. Most mass transit systems in the UK are clean and efficient. Plus, carbon emissions per person are less for buses and trains than for cars.

Car sharing

We’ve covered walking, cycling and public transport. If none of these are viable forms of green transport for you, then think about car sharing. Instead of driving yourself to and from work, share the ride with staff or colleagues. Four people sharing one car as opposed to four people driving one car each could cut emissions by up to 75%. To find a car sharing scheme near you, visit http://www.carshare.com.

If you do decide to car share, make sure you have adequate car insurance cover. Most car insurance companies offer quick and easy car insurance quotes online. For a car insurance quote and more information about the types of car insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com/motor/welcome.htm