FACES & PLACES
GREEN LIVING
FEBRUARY 2010

Green Air Travel - Part 2
Ground Transportation
by Hope Blaythorne

The Green Baroness is on a quest to help travelers address their carbon impact with some helpful travel options. In part 2 I will be addressing Ground transportation.

Though emissions from one car is nothing compared to the best airplane, they certainly add up. As you look at how you will get around to your destination, consider public-transit options versus the standard rental car. Public transportation is often cheaper and faster, it offers a great way to sightsee and gives you a "flavor" of the culture in the area, and is almost always earth-friendly.

Example: Stockholm. Visitors often take the 20 minute Arlanda Express train from the main airport into center city. When full, the electric train emits just over a pound of carbon dioxide per round trip per person. Compared to hiring a car for the 54 mile round trip excursion, which would add, according to Sustainable Travel International, 37 pounds of carbon dioxide. And this comparison was done with an environmentally friendly taxi service!

In the event that public transportation is not an option and a rental car is the way to go, consider agencies like Enterprise Rent-a-car, which has bulked up its green options. Enterprise also owns National and Alamo and they have about 9000 hybrids in their fleet, available at 100 locations nationwide. While it is a small portion of the 750,000 vehicle rental fleet, they also offer 448,000 cars that are certified by the EPA to get at least 28 miles per gallon on highways.

Want to rent a hybrid? Renting a hybrid car does come with a price premium. Enterprise claims they generally cost $10-$15 more a day than similarly sized vehicles. Avis also offers hybrids, of which they currently have 2,200 at a $15-$25 a day higher rate than a similar vehicle.

One option for those folks who travel a lot to urban places and need to utilize a car in different areas, is the Zip Car program. This is a great option for a traveler who might utilize public transportation at home and have the occasional need for a car, especially on trips. Your hourly or daily fee covers gas and insurance and the car can be waiting for you at the airport. Check them out to see if this is a viable option for you- www.zipcar.com.