In the face of environmental challenges, it’s more important than ever to consider the impact of our daily choices, especially how we get from point A to point B. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for 29% of the average American’s carbon footprint. What’s more, families spend between $150 and $200 on gas monthly, and gas prices have increased by 60% over the past year.

Making small adjustments to your transportation choices can lead to significant environmental and financial savings. Here are four environmentally friendly transportation methods to help you save money while safeguarding the planet.

1. Power up your electric bikes and scooters.

Did you know switching from a car to an e-bike can save an average of 249g of CO2? E-bikes and scooters are zero-emission options that can help reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas, and combat climate change. You can even rent an e-bike or scooter with just a few taps on your smartphone, making green alternatives more accessible than ever.

2. The art of carpooling.

Using rideshare apps or carpooling with friends and coworkers not only helps reduce the volume of traffic and emissions, but it also saves money on fuel and other costs associated with owning a car. Even driving with just one other person can reduce your annual carbon footprint by 2,000 pounds (1 ton) or more. The social benefits shouldn’t be overlooked either; carpooling can strengthen friendships, making every journey more enjoyable.

3. Simply walking.

Walking is the most sustainable form of transportation available. It reduces the number of cars on the road and carbon emissions, and it can significantly improve your health and boost your mood and immune system. Walking also offers a unique opportunity to discover local businesses and hidden gems that you might miss when driving. While the walking distance to work may be too far, try leaving your car at home on the weekends and walking to your nearest grocery store or coffee shop instead of driving.

4. Use public transit.

Trains and buses offer efficient transportation alternatives, especially for longer commutes or trips. Choosing the scenic route by train can transform what would have been a mundane journey into an enjoyable experience, all while reducing another vehicle on the road and contributing to a healthier planet. According to the United Nations, shifting from cars to public transportation can reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions annually per individual. 

BONUS TIP:

Did you know you can help the planet by choosing where you bank? When you open a FirstBank checking account this summer, you’ll help save bees, water, and trees.* And it gets better. When you open a personal checking account, you’ll be entered to win a new Heybike e-bike or $500.** To learn more about how FirstBank is making a positive impact on the environment, visit efirstbank.com/green or efirstbank.com/verde (Spanish).

For more savings tips and tricks, visit efirstbankblog.com.

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*FirstBank will donate $4 per FirstBank checking account opened online or in-person, up to $60,000, towards One Tree Planted, Project Apis m. and Western Resource Advocates. Offer is available to new and existing customers. Offer is only valid from June 1, 2024 through August 30, 2024.

**NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Certain restrictions and requirements apply. The FirstBank Go Green Checking Promotion begins June 1, 2024 and ends August 30, 2024. Promotion is available to new and existing FirstBank customers. FirstBank employees and their immediate families and household members are not eligible to enter. To be eligible to win, participants must open a FirstBank Consumer Checking Account and make a deposit of at least $1.00 USD by August 30, 2024. Eligible entrants may also enter by mailing a 3” x 5” piece of paper to FirstBank. Eligible entrants must be 18 years or older and a legal resident (or international/foreign exchange student possessing a current valid United States student visa) of Colorado; Maricopa County in Arizona or Riverside County in California. Limit one entry per person during the promotional entry period regardless of the method of entry. Ten Heybike E-Bike prizes and twelve cash prizes will be awarded. The total approximate value of all prizes awarded is twenty thousand nine hundred ninety dollars ($20,990.00 USD). You have not yet won. Winners will be randomly selected. Odds of winning are based on the number of eligible entries received during the promotional entry period. Promotion winners may decline the prize and an alternate winner, or winners may be selected at Sponsor’s discretion. For the Heybike E-Bike Prizes, Sponsor will cover applicable federal taxes owed on the E-Bike Prizes, provided the potential winner abides by the proper tax reporting requirements. Winnings are subject to IRS/tax reporting. For complete eligibility restrictions, mail-in details, and winner selection details, see the Official Rules at  https://www.efirstbank.com/landing/goGreen/rules.htm. Sponsor is FirstBank, 12345 West Colfax Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215.

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