No Car Day: Significance, History, and Why You Should Consider Going Remote for Work
Since the emergence of the first car on the streets in 1886, the popularity of cars has kept on growing. Today, around 1.4 billion cars travel the roads worldwide. While cars offer a convenient way to commute, the carbon emissions from cars harm the environment. Hence, every year on 22 September, the world celebrates world car-free day, which motivates motorists worldwide to give up cars for a day and instead try cycling, walking, or any other means of public transport.
This blog discusses the significance of remote working and how it helps to create a pollution-free environment.
How did it all begin?
In the 1950s, due to the rising number of cars in the neighborhood, Belgium and the Netherlands began a movement for car-free Sundays from 1956 to 1957.
A paper was also published at an International conference in 1994 that discussed reducing car dependence. Later car-free projects were planned and implemented in various European cities.
In 1997, the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) coordinated three annual car-free days. Spain, Italy, and France implemented similar projects.
By 2000, South America also embraced car-free days, with Bogota, Columbia holding the most expensive car-free program. In the same year, 22 September officially became a car-free day. Since then, 46 countries and 2000 cities worldwide have celebrated 22 September as no-car day.
Why should you care?
During the covid-19 lockdown, when people stayed at home, we saw a change in the environment as noise, air, and water pollution reduced. The car-free day allows you to see how your cities look without cars. Further, as most cities have been designed around mobility for cars, it is high time we change the pre-existing design of roads for cars and start planning cities around eco-friendly modes of transport for human mobility, said the Head of UN Environments Air Quality and Mobility Unit.
Popular Campaigns
In 2008, the United Nations Environment started the “Share the Road Programme” campaign, focusing on walking and cycling. The campaign included guidelines on infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles.
Also, the World Health Organization, the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, and the UN Environment are driving a campaign called BreathLife. Many cities are participating in this campaign to promote the use of clean energy and support cleaner air initiatives.
Big companies in favor of remote work
Big companies favor telecommuting, which means fewer cars on the road. This directly reduces air pollution. According to the US. Census Bureau, around 80% of commuters drive private vehicles to work. Moreover, seventy-five million employees could work remotely if employers introduce a remote work policy, as per a report by Global Workplace Analytics.
What if you can work remotely for elite US companies from the comfort of your home? You can live your dream and can also contribute to a global cause. Additionally, you get more freedom and flexibility in your schedule, increasing your overall happiness and work-life balance. Businesses that embrace remote work see an increase in productivity as professionals get more time to unwind and de-stress.
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How to contribute:
Cycle or walk: If you have to go a short distance, consider walking or riding a bike.
Public transport: You can take public transport if you have to go somewhere where buses or light rail lines are available instead of taking your car.
Carpool: A carpool is an effective way to reduce air pollution and save money. When going to the office and school, try to carpool with people headed in the same direction. By doing this, you can also save fuel.
Avoid idling: Turn off your vehicle’s engine if you are not moving for more than a minute because idling also wastes fuel and pollutes the environment.
To sum up:
You can celebrate the car-free day by saying no to vehicles for at least a day, encouraging people, and driving social media campaigns. If your companies offer you to work remotely, accept it. Otherwise, carpool with your colleagues to reach your office. By doing this, you reduce air pollution and consume fewer fossil fuels.
Besides this, you can also fan out for the cause online to make other people aware of the date. Also, make sure your neighbors, friends, and colleagues keep their cars parked up for at least 24 hours on this day. You can also find out about any no-car day events in your local area and participate in supporting the initiative on 22 September 2022.
