Want to know what the Long Island Expressway or Northern and Southern State Parkways would look like if more people carpooled, biked, or used mass transportation to get to work? On Tuesday, you just might see that change – at least for a day.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is calling on Long Islanders to take part in the 3rd Annual Car Free Day on Tuesday, September 22. To join the internationally-celebrated event, Bellone is asking people to go car free or car-lite for the day by using mass transportation, carpooling, or walking or biking to work. A large group of people limiting their car use for just one day has a huge impact on the environment. Last year, 2,855 Long Islanders pledged to be car free or car-lite, saving over 72,000 miles of driving and 36 tons of CO2 emissions. People can make a greater impact by advertising the event at their workplaces, schools, and organizations, and maybe getting together carpooling groups from those you work with.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “motor vehicles are responsible for nearly one half of smog-forming compounds, more than half of the nitrogen oxide emissions, and about half of the toxic air pollutant emissions in the United States.” Motor vehicles contribute to 75% of carbon monoxide emissions across the country, and the use and number of cars on the road have only increased over the years. Though engineers and scientists are trying to create cleaner cars, there is still a degree of air pollution that most vehicles contribute to the atmosphere.
In addition to knowing that you are doing something good for the environment, the county would also like to celebrate those who pledge to go car free at a food truck lunch at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. From 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, you can skip the boring lunch options and bring your cash to food trucks from Island Empanada, Chiddy’s Cheesesteak, Eat Me Drink Me, Blondie’s Bake Shop, and Farm Stand.
To enter into the event, all you have to do is go to Car Free Day website and fill out the pledge form. Once you submit your pledge, you will automatically be entered in to raffles to win some great prizes. If you are already car free, you can still submit the pledge and have the chance to win prizes.
Take the pledge and be counted at CarFreeDayLI.com.
