Taking a road trip across the U.S. is a right of passage for almost any American – but how can road trips across America be better for the environment?

Road Trip : An American Ritual – How Can it Go Green?

Why is eating meat bad for the environment and what can be done to counteract these impacts?

Why is Eating Meat bad for the Environment?

Our guide to global food waste in 2022 shares ways businesses can reduce food inefficiencies and pollution. Over 30% of food is lost or wasted each year!

Global Food waste in 2022

How can factory-built modular kitchens help hotels, resorts, and restaurateurs improve and reduce their carbon emissions and promote sustainability?

Why are Modular Kitchens a sustainable choice for food providers?

What is Climate Smart Farming, and how can it help to fight against climate change?

Climate Smart Farming: All You Need to Know in 2022

Avocados are delicious and wildly popular, but do avocados have a negative impact on the environment that should make us think twice?

What is the Avocado's Environmental Impact?

The carbon footprint of electric batteries and their environmental impact: car, smartphone, bicycle, wind turbines... Does electric power reduce the carbon footprint?

What is the environmental impact of a battery?

Plant-based milk is all the rage, but are some plant-based milks, like almond milk – bad for the environment?

Is Almond Milk Bad for the Environment?

What is permaculture, and how does it help the environment and the on-going fight against climate change?

Permaculture: Definition, Principles and Examples

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie completed a bachelor's degree in English & Multimedia in 2020 at the University of Maryland College Park. She previously worked as a social media content video creator and freelance copywriter. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. 

Ines Gendre

After graduating in 2016 with a master’s degree in marketing, Ines began her career in project management. However she soon decided to turn towards writing, to bring her core competencies to the service of societal changes. First working as a freelance copywriter, she joined Greenly in early 2022 to help fight global warming.

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale.

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment.

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

When Les Grappes contacted Greenly, its objective was to find an easy GHG assessment service to commit their company to the climate. Today, Les Grappes has earned its first badge towards its Net Zero trajectory!

Les Grappes carries out its Carbon Footprint with Greenly!

When Les Grappes contacted Greenly, its objective was to simply carry out a first GHG assessment, to commit itself and its ecosystem. Today, Les Grappes has earned its first badge towards its Net Zero trajectory!

Les Grappes Carbon Footprint - Greenly

<h2>Background & Objectives 🔍</h2><p>Les Grappes is platform for short food supply chain (SFSC) of wines, to connect buyers to winegrowers, with fewer intermediaries. </p><p>On lesgrappes.com, more than 1,200 winegrowers sell their product online, direct to the customer. Les Grappes suppliers cultivate their product from the heart. As the product is delivered without intermediaries, the producers are paid fairly, and the purchaser pays the right price. </p><p>Founded in 2014, Les Grappes is now the first platform for direct purchases from winegrowers for individuals and professionals in France and Europe.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/63341acd968fd35330bacaa5_Les-Grappes2.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>ITV - Why did you carry out a GHG assessment? 🤔</h2><p>In order to reduce our GHG emissions, it is essential to be able to measure them beforehand. This is why we decided to calculate our carbon footprint with Greenly. They allowed us to better structure our environmental policy and to draw up an action plan to reduce our emissions in the long term. </p><h1><strong>Why Greenly? 🌱</strong></h1><p>We met many carbon footprint solution providers before making our choice. The Greenly team stood out for its responsiveness and dynamism. The measurement solution proposed by Greenly is simple and intuitive. In addition, it's a highly-rated solution that has been awarded the French Tech Green 2020 label. This is why we wanted to work with Greenly.</p><p>‍</p><h2>Update on the carbon footprint of Les Grappes 📊</h2><p>Les Grappes' carbon footprint takes into account not only direct and energy-related emissions (Scope 1 &amp; 2) but also indirect emissions caused by service providers and services used by the company (Scope 3). Adding up all the emissions, Les Grappes had a footprint of 1201t CO2e in 2020.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/63341b083fdc484a6a6c94fd_LES-GRAPPES-3.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>Les Grappes wants to reduce its emissions 📉</h2><p>The definition of the action plan is underway. To achieve our objective, we intend to involve managers for each major emission item. We will therefore endeavour to define together, with the departments concerned, the possible and impactful reduction actions, while respecting the 2022 development and growth objectives that have been defined.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/63341b3e73f5762e788ccb13_LES-GRAPPES4.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div>

When FRAISA contacted Greenly, its objective was to carry out its first GHG assessment simply and to evaluate the share that its different activities could have in the carbon footprint. FRAISA earns its first badge towards its Net Zero trajectory!

FRAISA signs with Greenly for its GHG assessment

Fraisa - Carbon Footprint - Greenly

<h2>Course & Objectives 🔍</h2><p>Founded in 1934, the company now employs over 500 people and is one of the largest manufacturers in the industry.</p><p>Long-term commitment and sustainability are values that characterise FRAISA's corporate vision. This means continuous investment in the development of the company, its products and its staff, as well as the desire to establish a lasting customer relationship based on partnership, with individual support, personal advice and increased on-site contact.</p>

When MMA general agents Stéphane MASSARDIER & Hervé VISINI contacted Greenly, their objective was to carry out a simple GHG assessment, to evaluate the part that digital technology could play in the carbon footprint, to commit themselves and their ecosystem. Today, MMA general agents Stéphane MASSARDIER & Hervé VISINI have earned their first badge towards their Net Zero trajectory!

MMA Assurances conducts its GHG assessment

MMA Assurances Carbon Footprint - Greenly

<h2>Background & Objectives 🔍</h2><p>As MMA General Agents, we are independent business owners who act as intermediaries for MMA in marketing its entire insurance offer.</p><p>Above all, we are experienced professionals in insurance risk, for individuals, professionals and companies. This expertise, combined with a strong local presence, makes us the ideal partner to advise you and develop a lasting partnership with you.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/624e9e7f137f7e6543c1abd9_MMA%20MS%20AdobeStock_315678002%20-%20Monkey%20Business%20431287.jpeg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>ITV - Why did you carry out a GHG assessment? 🤔</h2><p>In order to reduce our GHG emissions, it is essential to be able to measure them beforehand. This is why we decided to calculate our carbon footprint with Greenly. This allowed us to better structure our environmental policy and to draw up an action plan to reduce our emissions in the long term.</p><h1>Why Greenly? 🌱</h1><p>The measurement solution proposed by Greenly is simple and intuitive. In addition, it is a recognised solution in the market and has been awarded the French Tech Green 2020 label. This is why we wanted to work with Greenly.</p><h2>An update on the carbon footprint of our MMA branches 📊</h2><p>MMA's carbon footprint takes into account not only direct and energy-related emissions (Scope 1 &amp; 2) but also indirect emissions caused by service providers and services used by the company (Scope 3). Adding up all the emissions, MMA had a footprint of 62t CO2e in 2021.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/624e9e84c64ca62fa8b634d6_capital-deces-mma.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>Stéphane & Hervé want to reduce their emissions</h2><p>The definition of the action plan is underway. To achieve our objective, we intend to involve managers for each major emission item. We will therefore endeavour to define together, with the departments concerned, the possible and impactful reduction actions, while respecting the 2021 development and growth objectives that have been defined.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="" loading="lazy" /></div>

Labosud commits to the environment with Greenly

LaboSud Carbon Footprint - Greenly

Certified B-Corp, aKagreen greens work and living spaces to cultivate well-being through plants and create engaging places where it is good to come to work and exchange ideas. aKagreen carries out its GHG assessment with Greenly!

aKagreen carries out its Carbon Footprint!

aKa Green has chosen Greenly to carry out a GHG assessment of its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

aKa Green Carbon Footprint - Greenly

<h2>Background & Objectives 🔍</h2><p>aKagreen's work and living spaces cultivate well-being through nature. With our decorative live plants, we transform your office into an engaging place where it feels good to spend time with colleagues. </p><p>We are convinced that we must reinvite plants into our daily lives, and put them back in the center of our spaces to better appreciate, respect and protect them. A first step towards a reconnection with nature and living things in all their forms is to (re)awaken our environmental consciousness.</p><p>‍</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/6333088454595b87c4de6923_image_64834412.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>ITV - Why did you carry out a GHG assessment? 🤔</h2><p>First of all, preserving the environment is at the heart of our DNA and our business. Reconnecting city dwellers to nature also means raising awareness of our impact on a daily basis. As our goal is to have a positive impact on society, it is necessary to reduce our carbon output as much as possible. Greenly's GHG assessment allows us to accurately know and identify our sources of carbon emissions. This allows us to structure an environmental policy and draw up an action plan to reduce our emissions over the long term.<br></p><p><strong>Why Greenly? </strong></p><p>The first reason is the need for an innovative and digitalized solution. The measurement solution proposed by Greenly is simple and intuitive. Moreover, it is a solution recognized by the market, and has been awarded the French Tech Green 2020 label. </p><p>‍</p><h2>The carbon footprint of aKagreen 📊</h2><p>aKagreen's carbon footprint not only takes into account direct and energy-related emissions (Scope 1 &amp; 2) but also indirect emissions caused by service providers and services used by the company (Scope 3). Adding up all the emissions, aKagreen had a footprint of 76t CO2e in 2020. The largest emission item was plant production and transport.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/633308af9457b3859b320f2c_image_123927839-1.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><h2>aKagreen wants to reduce its emissions 📉</h2><p>The definition of the action plan is underway. To achieve our goal, we need to act at both the company and individual levels. Changes need to be made on the two most emitting areas: production and transport. We intend to involve people responsible for each of the major emission areas. We are therefore going to work together with the departments concerned to define the feasible and effective reduction actions, while respecting the 2021 development and growth objectives that have been defined.</p><div class="container_img"><img src="" loading="lazy" /></div>

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<p id="">Having moved to all corners of the U.S., having driven across the country <strong id=""><em id="">twice, </em></strong>and up and down the East coast more times than I can count – I’m pretty familiar with how a road trip across the country goes. The excitement of an open road, adventure, fatigue from sitting for hours on end in the car – but music video moments of playing that song just meant to be heard with the wind blowing through your hair as you breeze across the pavement…</p><p id="">However, most of the road trips I took were when I was a little kid, and there was one big factor never crossed my mind before: the environment.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b92495189c52bcfd25243_bQaDtYJ6eUDt0h7x4oLyF0UQMu0l7NwV2lj25tajwNU1lWLp3caCHV5TUj7dcwZZrMbMibiC0Apwh1I7tp8Csmi8WLR8ANre21VcXRLXFgPDNPpXcMb3TIoSOL_vRQ4PHU3ctrkLLctRhno0FM7brc7uJvcCPbiKnRDNmW7MAQ3feBWd2UW6ZCj31Q.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><p>In a country that isn’t as interconnected as continents like Europe or countries like Japan, a road trip in the U.S. is really the only surefire way to see many of the United State’s greatest hidden treasures: like the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore.&nbsp;</p><blockquote id="">👉Taking a road trip is an experience that all Americans, even foreign tourists, dream of doing during their time in the U.S. – but how does it impact the environment?&nbsp;</blockquote><p id="">Are there ways to adjust this American tradition to pertain to the climate change measures necessary?</p><h2 id="">Why is taking a road trip an American tradition?&nbsp;</h2><p id="">The U.S. is known to be a melting pot in terms of diversity – as the country itself is composed of people from around the world who came to the United States in hopes of pursuing a better life or the infamous, “American Dream” – where everyone can live a life of equal opportunity and success.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Americans thrive on freedom, the root principle the country was built on – and nothing depicts that cultural value more than a road trip.&nbsp;</p><p id="">‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b9248837aed84c92f4c28_Nyh4TCxUwcqIsrG1BV2O1BrriKp6z-b1AUPyB3UAhIv13zMRdDW_JCWncCjT0QQikrN69tfRoq1xDveEcESPOePG8HlS8Lvundgcav_mZ-OS_uoZbeD3px43IL0zKAHK2qrctSfoCZpzPShykKx2VN61xbSP3T_DZSKWGb5lwSfwuQcEKZVvSnsH.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><p id="">‍</p><p id="">Road trips allow for flexibility, low-budget travel, and seeing countrysides of the U.S. that would go unnoticed otherwise. Besides, the country isn’t built with a train system like Europe – so the only feasible option for those who want to see their own country is to see it on the road.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Is a road trip the most popular way to travel in the United States?</h2><p id="">Given the United States is such a large country, roughly twice the size of Europe – many people assume that Americans are always flying around the country to get to where they want to go, but many of my French colleagues were surprised to learn that this isn’t the case.</p><p id="">‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b924852514904fd5201ed_SDXwjfj7PZkKS-cWW6ey8lv-scGe8ZO6ROw6_axc3_w7Nnapx049Par6r4utBqgm3p6QktEg85JZOFVSLc1_LrjywyILJhEKxHF_Wb_qOpva85X0MOxcBuzdHQpvEIK055lJPj2j2yYA2bJHmpmZ_Dh8alrpjKo19xwy8dnwJkywdlkSy7ugryRM.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><blockquote id="">👉 Travel isn’t as accessible in the United States as it is in other places around the world. I realized this when my brother showed me how many train lines you can see on Google Maps throughout Europe in comparison to the United States. Flying has become exceptionally expensive in the U.S. over the years, too – with a cross-country flight costing upwards of $600.&nbsp;</blockquote><p id="">Even flying short distances in the U.S. has become expensive, with flights from Washington D.C. to Chicago running around $200 a ticket. The logical and most environmentally friendly solution that may come to mind is to take a train, but the railway system isn’t as established or functional as it is in places like Europe. As a point of reference, the distance between Philadelphia and Chicago &amp; Paris and Vienna are about the same – roughly 760 miles in between them. While long, it isn’t improbable to travel from Paris to Vienna via train: with travel time totaling around 10.5 hours. On the other hand, a train from Philly to Chicago via Amtrak is double the time – and at times, even more costly than flying.&nbsp;</p><p id="">The answer? Most Americans opt to travel by car rather than by train or plane – as it’s often the most cost-effective and time efficient way to get to where they want to go.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Even if people don’t drive from New York to California, studies still show that taking a road trip is the most popular and common type of travel for Americans – especially following the pandemic where many were wary of taking commercial flights and opted for road travel instead.&nbsp;</p><p id="">‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b9248a5532705efda1c40_kB9Pa7p2Ijt86ZsHc32NqyyARiPozMelQJvIn3wwqmaMdqwHA12zg-dyeHQBUN8Hg8Jfj87rzMgrP0cOhHk42E_7PWkGSZLxsNNX4wq56zT2slC2WeCbnIATpGCMm1eo_2q-BFl_GJaLUlHpYcvyDJZv5V63F6v_hGerlgFSYWbsPThJNXY13AQTsg.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><p id="">‍</p><p id="">In a sense, a tradition that way already there amplified even more following the global crisis. Has it made the environmental impact of road trips more prevalent, too?&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Why is taking a road trip bad for the environment?&nbsp;</h2><p id="">A road trip has its downsides, even if they don’t pertain to the environment – like constant fatigue for the one doing the most driving throughout the road trip, and figuring out how to plan to see so much in a limited amount of time.&nbsp;</p><p id="">However, the most deleterious component of taking a road trip is certainly the environmental impact it entails – and it isn’t just all of the driving.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Cars Emitting Greenhouse Gasses</h3><p id="">Evidently, the biggest impact of taking a road trip is the amount of fuel being used. Many Americans opt to travel via car as it costs less to fill up their tank of gas than it does to travel via more sustainable means such as train.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Fast Food Impact&nbsp;</h3><p id="">Ever seen those movies or T.V. shows where the character on a road trip has the windshield wiper filed to the brim with empty soda cups and hamburger wrappers? It’s not far from reality – many Americans opt to buy their food along the way, which contributes to excessive waste.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Cell Phone Data Use &amp; Constant Charging of Devices</h3><p id="">Did you know that it’s not just in your head when you’re traveling or on a road trip that your phone battery is dying quicker?&nbsp;</p><p id="">This is because your cell phone battery requires more power when it’s constantly searching for a signal, and it’s often difficult to have all four bars throughout a road trip. This results in you charging your devices, especially your cell phone, more than you usually would – <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/energy-rationing-in-the-uk-where-do-we-stand" id="">ultimately consuming excessive amounts of electricity.&nbsp;</a></p><h2 id="">How could you organize your road trip to be more sustainable?&nbsp;</h2><p id="">Still want to take a road trip, but are determined to make it better for the environment?</p><p id="">Here are five easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint during your next road trip.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Rent an Electric or Fuel Efficient Car</h3><p id="">While purchasing an electric car for your everyday use is important, it’s important to consider it as an option for your rental car during vacation, too. Most car rental companies advertise the cameras or heated seats rather than the environmentally friendly benefits of the vehicle, so while this step would require a little extra effort on your part – it’s likely to largely decrease the amount of emissions you're responsible for on your road trip.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Pack Your Own Road Trip Snacks</h3><p id="">Stops at drive-through places like McDonalds and Dairy Queen are a quintessential part of any road trip, but all of that fast food that most road-trippers rely on isn’t good for the environment. The production of your favorite drive-through burger relies on an exorbitant of finite resources like water and livestock – ultimately contributing to greater environmental issues like <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/reforestation-our-guide-to-sustainable-companies" id="">deforestation</a> and waste.</p><p id="">Even if you stop at 7 Eleven for snacks, odds are <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/recycling-all-you-need-to-know-on-plastic-management" id="">you're purchasing something made of plastic that can’t be recycled.</a> The best solution is to pack your own road trip snacks, and bring your own reusable water bottles, tupperware, and utensils – which is what my family and I did for years every time we trekked across the country. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also prevent the need for multiple pit stops and ultimately help you to cover more ground on your road trip.</p><h3 id="">Shut the Engine Off – Even for Quick Stops</h3><p id="">It may seem like a waste of time to shut the engine off when taking a quick pit stop or photo, but it isn’t a waste of time for the environment. Committing to a small but potent action like this can immensely help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses you emit throughout your road trip.</p><h3 id="">Plan Your Road Trip Well</h3><p id="">Some people think the key to a successful road trip is hitting the pavement without a map in hand – but a calculated adventure can still be fun. Getting lost can be amusing, but often results in more driving which in turn creates more pollution. The solution is to plan your road trip route well in advance to prevent any mishaps that cause you to backtrack and create a larger carbon footprint.</p><h3 id="">Unplug – Literally!</h3><p id="">When on a road trip, try to keep up classic driving-in-the-middle of nowhere traditions like the license plate game or watching the clouds pass by. It’s tempting to play video games and keep all of your devices charged for easy entertainment – but ultimately defeats the purpose of taking a road trip in the first place: spending time with friends and family while discovering isolated parts of the country.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="">Contribute to a Carbon Offset Project</h3><p id="">If you still want to take your road trip, but are concerned about the environmental consequences in which you have no control over – you can consider contributing to a carbon offsetting project to counteract the potential carbon footprint of your road trip.&nbsp;</p><blockquote id="">👉A <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/carbon-offset-in-2022-all-you-need-to-know" id="">carbon offset project</a> is when an individual invests in a project dedicated to creating a positive environmental impact to ultimately reduce emissions and combat climate change.&nbsp;</blockquote><h3 id="">Pack Light &amp; Skimp on Souvenirs&nbsp;</h3><p id="">Did you know that the reason why airlines charge for overweight baggage is because if the plane is too heavy, it requires more fuel to fly?&nbsp;</p><p id="">‍</p><figure id="" class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div id=""><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b9248a071a24590c60b88_jLLLJfsoLj8SYEKuE9FZ6BOzVRqGZlWnwmJQidwD_VDr9RqJ5AK2mzQYRZzUhLyUcx0YUxl_VR6MoMG3FHDoxzH0-mkPQXE7hTQuGPyKzvNWFxqYJq4yc3H3DC-oJiDJHzIu5WXH4R6lclWmkXnlh7KnRxMc31mtA7K3iWIj9zAoWtJQFqC_x_4O.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><p id="">‍</p><p id="">The same goes for your own car when taking a road trip: the heavier you pack, the more gas it’s going to take to drive. Therefore, pack light if possible to reduce your fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint. In addition, opt for lightweight souvenirs whenever possible to ensure that you don’t make the car heavier than it already might be.&nbsp;</p><p id="">All of these are great tips to reduce your environmental impact on your next road trip, but are they enough to condone the overall future of this American tradition?&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">Should Americans stop taking road trips?&nbsp;</h2><p id="">Road trips have become an essential part of American culture, and by this point – road trips are becoming obsolete in the U.S. are unlikely to happen. Therefore, it’s important to find new ways to adjust to traditions so that we can keep both them and the planet alive.&nbsp;</p><blockquote id="">👉However, on the contrary, what Americans <strong id="">should </strong>be doing is finding new ways to get around locally without the need for a car.&nbsp;</blockquote><p id="">Some states have already started to implement the measures to make this happen: like <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/california-climate-legislation-where-do-we-stand" id="">California banning the purchase of any new gasoline powered vehicles from 2035 onwards</a> in order to encourage the use of new public transportation systems or electric cars. In fact, city driving is worse for both the car itself and the environment – as idle cars are doing nothing more but sitting there releasing superfluous emissions and <a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/what-are-ozone-depleting-substances-ods" id="">polluting the atmosphere.</a>&nbsp;</p><p id="">The biggest challenge in the U.S. is that there is no nation-wide railway system that keeps the country connected – even rural areas. It would be a difficult task to revamp the current system now not only because it requires years of intensive planning and construction, but more so because Americans have now assimilated to life in the U.S. – which means needing a car to get around.&nbsp;</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center" data-rt-type="image" data-rt-align="center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/6232f79b68d15d3d9b69c096/635b9249a55327428ada1c6b_iREx6Lsggtj1GsCt8anXxT2DW5yiARJS2HF-Kl5MMxAVjUwDsg0XcmKK1Li31zptKxltWPDsWqdxibKWOfuw18Xi-nc8II7IlPAecZG3u_DYi-1SpUq1_mXqRwCmV8d_VqZ2toMIyVqEBooJBJTdiov74YfTJ-rd5AuFohWP6eppfOlx-lulWVAK.jpeg" id="" width="auto" height="auto" loading="auto"></div></figure><p>The U.S. is a beautiful country, with many unique points worth stopping at. Road trips themselves don’t need to stop, and in fact should be encouraged in order to heal the prevalent divide the U.S. has seen, but the way they are done clearly needs to be altered for the sake of the environment.&nbsp;</p><p id="">After all, a road trip depicts the most intriguing concept: it isn’t about the destination, but the journey – and it’s only how we change our habits on the journey that the U.S. and the world can work together and reach their ultimate goals of reducing emissions and saving the planet.&nbsp;</p><p id="">Road trips don’t need to end – but they do need to go green if we want to have places to road trip to at all.&nbsp;</p><h2 id="">What about Greenly?&nbsp;</h2><p id="">If reading this article about road trips and their environmental impact has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!</p><p id="">Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.</p><p id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/en-us/blog" id="">Click here</a> to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.&nbsp;</p><p id=""><strong id="">🚀 If you enjoyed reading this article, here are a few more :</strong></p><ul id=""><li id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/why-is-the-colorado-river-threatened-by-a-water-crisis" id="">Why is the Colorado River Threatened by a Water Crisis?</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/us-wildfires-destroy-carbon-offsets" id="">US Wildfires Destroy Carbon Offsets</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/reforestation-our-guide-to-sustainable-companies" id="">Reforestation: Our Guide to Sustainable Companies</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/how-to-implement-a-csr-approach-in-your-company" id="">How to implement a CSR approach in your company</a></li><li id=""><a href="https://www.greenly.earth/blog-en/all-you-need-to-know-about-fast-fashion" id="">All You Need to Know About Fast Fashion</a></li></ul><p id="">‍</p>

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