By: Uloma Nwosu and Kara Roda
In today’s modern world, transportation such as cars, trains and buses are the staple of society. However, these methods of transportation are not going to be reliable forever. As such, it’s time to consider more sustainable options. Investing in more physically active and eco-friendly travel options can improve quality of life. At La Sierra University, several options provide student discounts and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional travel.
While traditional travel facilitates fast-paced and comfortable transit, the environmental and financial consequences are a significant disadvantage. According to the EPA, the ozone layer is decreasing rapidly, with over 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Though cities encourage yearly smog tests to reduce these emissions, many do not comply. A smog test costs around $30-$60, and with most people's demanding schedules, finding time is difficult. Another downside to traditional travel is gas prices, which are currently around $5 per gallon. Gas prices aside, car maintenance is also expensive. Tire changes may cost between $25 and $50, oil changes between $65 and $100, and engine replacements as much as $10,000. Other factors, such as traffic and noise pollution, can also decrease overall life expectancy. While cars, buses and trains have been the standard form of transportation, there are other options.
Alternative options such as carpooling, cycling and walking can positively impact students' health and safety. Students could carpool with friends, reducing traffic and saving on gas. In California alone, around 200,000 car accidents happen each year, and approximately 6 million occur in the U.S. altogether. With carpooling, congestion is reduced by 35%, decreasing traffic and the chance of an accident overall. Financially, students can alleviate rising gas prices by splitting (costs) among passengers. Cycling is another option for students, and while some see it as an inconvenience, it can promote a healthier lifestyle by incorporating exercise. Cycling exercises the muscles in the body, including abdominal muscles, glutes, quads, triceps, the heart and more. Walking to school is both cost-efficient and convenient for those who live near campus. Both activities contribute to better cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular health. For less physically demanding options, the city of Riverside provides options for students on a budget.
There are a number of organizations that give discounted transportation to students at La Sierra. MetroLink gives free transit passes to those with a student ID. The Adventure Pass allows students to travel throughout Southern California. Additionally, Metrolink trains run on 100% renewable fuel, benefiting the environment by reducing emissions while giving students more travel opportunities. The Riverside Transit also offers affordable prices for general bus fares and long-term fares that can be used for up to 30 days. These options are accessible throughout the year at any hour. For those wanting to explore outside of Riverside or even the country, there are affordable deals available for students. During the holidays, the price of plane tickets can make a flight home financially out of reach. StudentUniverse offers deals on plane tickets to places like San Francisco and London, which can be helpful for students looking to save money; all flights through StudentUniverse are less than $500.
Given these options, sustainable travel is more convenient and available than people might believe. With commuter services such as these, both traffic congestion and carbon emissions are reduced. Whether traveling alone or with a group, sustainability is possible. Moreover, these alternative options can make traveling more accessible and bring health benefits to students and the environment. However, these options are not limited to this with more possibilities not mentioned. Your input is valuable in fostering greener travel at La Sierra University; please share your thoughts or recommendations.
