Transportation Sustainability Practices

Transportation is a leading source of carbon emissions both globally and in the United States. It is widely recognized by the scientific community that these increased emissions are contributing to the changing climate. Sure, the last thing you might want to think about while on vacation is minimizing your ecological footprint, but there are many simple transportation tips to ensure a more sustainable and deeply enjoyable trip to this region! Thank you for helping us to reduce carbon emissions and keeping our sunrises and sunsets beautiful. Your pocketbook might even reap the benefits too!

Easy and Short Term Solutions

Below is a list of some of Durango’s favorite ways to embrace greener transport. Get around town like a local with these eco-minded transportation options to suit every need.

Hop on the Trolley: Durango’s Trolley system is within any budget and a great way to get all about town, without the larger impact driving your own vehicle.
What better way to see the sights and get to know our town than by walking or biking through town! We even have a scenic and convenient river trail that spans a magnificent stretch of the Animas River. It’s a beautiful way to get to know our community and home watershed.
Instead of taking your own vehicle on a tour up into the mountains, explore the local train schedule.
Seek out lodging that offers free bike rental during your stay.
Going up into the mountains to ski, hike, or explore? Check with your lodging provider about shuttles to and from your favorite adventure destinations.

Future and Longer-Term Solutions

If you are already a sustainable tourism ninja, and want to take your efforts to the next level of impact, here are a few things you can do to minimize your carbon footprint during your travels.

Make more sustainable transportation choices and make it a road trip!
To optimize your fuel economy, plan more fuel-efficient routes, enlist cruise control, and avoid idling your vehicle.
Keep your car running more efficiently and get better gas mileage simply by changing the air filter.
Or, if you prefer to fly, see if you can get a direct flight, or as few flights as possible, when getting here. And always pack light to lighten the plane’s overall load.
If you need a car once you arrive, consider renting an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Want to see town on a bike, but don’t have the leg power? Check with our local bike shops about renting an electric bike!
Whether you’re flying or driving to your destination, consider offsetting your emissions. Do a quick google search for companies that will plant trees to offset carbon emissions. Who knows, maybe learning more about this long-term approach to sustainability might even inspire you to get more involved in protecting our environment.
Off-set your flight with carbon credits through 4CORE.

Summarizing

We can no longer ignore the direct impact that human activities are having on the changing climate. The good news is, there are plenty of things that we as individuals and communities can do to create positive change. Examining and changing our transportation methods and habits can have a far reaching positive impact. Both Durango residents and visitors alike are encouraged to do their part to minimize their carbon footprint to create a more sustainable future. Sure, it might not be top of mind to seek greener travel options, but our global and local community appreciate your efforts.