You could practise the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), use reusable bags for groceries instead of plastic bags, or bringing your own containers when dapao-ing food.
Commuting is a critical part of our lives as we move around for school, work or leisure. Rethinking the way we travel around on a daily basis can reduce our carbon footprint and lower the negative impact on the environment.
Here are 3 tips for a greener commute:
1. Walk or cycle
Getting around on your own two feet not only keeps your physical activity levels up, it also reduces your carbon footprint.
Across Singapore, there are more than 200km of sheltered walkways, shielding you from the sun or rain as you walk from your HDB flat to nearby MRT stations, bus stops, or even schools, and healthcare facilities.
Too far to walk? Consider cycling. Look for park connectors and cycling paths that can shorten your trip. Cycling enthusiast will be delighted to hear that the current cycling path network will triple from 460km to 1,320km by 2030, making your ride an even smoother one.
Starting out as a cycling novice? Check out a park connector in your neighbourhood. Over 200km of park connectors (PCN) have been developed all around Singapore. Click here to learn more about cycling in PCNs |
2. Use public transport
Did you know that a car with a driver uses 9 times the energy used by a bus? The same car also uses 12 times that of a train on a per passenger-kilometre travelled basis.
Using public transport lowers your carbon footprint. And it’s becoming more convenient to make the switch, as Singapore’s rail network is set to expand to about 360km by 2030. This means that 8 in 10 households will soon live within 10 minutes’ walk of a train station.
It makes economic sense too. Every public transport journey is subsidised by more than $1, and there are even more concessions for students, lower-income groups and the elderly.
#Didyouknow: When we meet our goal of 360km of rail networks by 2030, Singapore’s total rail length will be longer than major cities such as Tokyo and Hong Kong, and on par with London and New York. Tokyo – 304.1km Hong Kong – 262.2km New York City – 399km London – 402km |
3. Sustainable car ownership
Vehicle owners can improve fuel-efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by maintaining your vehicle regularly.
For example:
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency by around 10%
Correctly inflated tires can improve your fuel mileage by around 3%
Using the right fuel for your vehicle can improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%.
Consider cleaner vehicle models
If you’re looking to replace or buy a vehicle, you may wish to consider an electric vehicle (EV). Buyers of EVs can enjoy the following rebates when they register their vehicles:
EV Early Adopter Incentive: 45% Additional Registration Fee (ARF) rebate, capped at $20,000 for each EV purchased from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023
Vehicle Emission Scheme: Drivers either get an ARF rebate or pay a surcharge, depending on the amount of pollutant the driver’s car emits. Those who own environmentally-friendly cars can enjoy a rebate of up to $25,000 because of the Scheme.
Minimum ARF for all electric cars lowered from $5,000 to $0 for fully electric cars and taxis registered from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023
Plus, all HDB carparks in at least 8 towns – Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West, Punggol, Queenstown, Sembwang and the upcoming Tengah town – will be fitted with EV chargers by 2025. By 2030, there will be 60,000 EV charging points across Singapore’s public car parks and private premises.
Being aware of the options you have to get around each day can help you make a big difference to your carbon footprint and enable you to make a more sustainable choice.
Let’s all take that first step towards a greener commute.
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 aims to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. Click here for more.
