How Does Car Sharing Help the Environment?
With the battle against global warming, more and more people are starting to think about and consider how they can reduce their own carbon footprint. Well, one way that you can support this shift is by car sharing.
Motor manufacturers are seen to be working on new innovations, such as a more sustainable, electrically powered mode of transport, fuelled by increasingly strict standards from Governments across the world. That said, they’re still a long way off from dramatically changing our pollution levels. And so, other companies and individuals are taking it into their own hands to help towards a greener way of living, with car sharing becoming a favoured method of getting around.
We’ve put together a guide on the car sharing environmental benefits and how you, too, can help the world we live in.
What is car sharing?
Car sharing, in its overall sense, is borrowing someone else’s car. But companies such as us are taking that concept to the masses, bringing individuals and car owners together for a brighter future, saving you money and helping the environment as we go.
Car sharing environmental benefits
How can car sharing help the environment? Car sharing is more than just a convenient way to get around; it’s also a smart choice for the planet. By renting and sharing cars, we can collectively reduce pollution and conserve resources. Here’s how car sharing benefits the environment:
Fewer emissions
The most obvious benefit of car-sharing for the environment is that there are fewer cars on the road, and therefore fewer emissions. Car emissions are the largest contributor to climate change, so reducing them is key to protecting our environment. By sharing vehicles, multiple people can meet their travel needs using a single car, significantly reducing the total number of vehicles on the road.
Decreased oil and fuel demand
Oil and fuel are massive pollutants alone, but what about how and where they’re extracted, too? Foraging for this resource causes great harm to nature — destroying habitats, polluting ecosystems, and even contributing to international conflict. Not only that, these resources won’t be around forever, so it might be prudent to look after what is left. Less demand for cars will mean less demand for these fuels.
Better standard of vehicle
We don’t mean in terms of comfort or specification. We mean better rated in terms of emissions. This is because, more often than not, vehicles available for car sharing will either be newer or required to meet certain regulations and standards. Meaning they’ll be better for the environment than a 40-year-old diesel car. Within this, you’re able to choose the type of car you want, too.
So if you’re going to a meeting that’s out of town but you need a car to get there, you may simply request a small car that offers great economy with adequate comfort for the drive. This could mean that larger cars aren’t on the road as often, except for when they’re truly needed (perhaps a road trip for the whole family, them and their luggage — requiring a larger vehicle).
Less infrastructure
In the long term, infrastructure may be affected. Parking infrastructure, along with less demand on the road system and related costs. If car sharing continues to grow as it has over the last decade or two, companies will rethink the need for their parking allocations, and large multi-story car parks may no longer be required. Parking won’t be obsolete, of course, and nor will the car, but it’ll certainly be affected by demand or lack thereof. Less parking infrastructure and fewer road expansions should mean more resources for park development and urban green spaces.
To make a difference yourself, take a look at the cars we have available for sharing!
Supports a circular economy
Car sharing promotes a circular economy and makes the most out of every vehicle. Instead of everybody owning a car that might sit idle for much of the day, shared cars are used more efficiently because they are used during times when they would otherwise be parked on the road or on a drive. This efficient usage lowers energy consumption and maximises the lifespan of every vehicle, creating a more sustainable transportation system.
Potential for integrating electric and hybrid cars
Platforms that allow people to rent cars offer an excellent opportunity to introduce them to electric and hybrid vehicles. This way, you can access low-emission cars without the costs or commitment of owning one.
By increasing exposure to cleaner technologies, car sharing helps encourage the shift towards sustainable transport. More people using electric and hybrid vehicles reduces overall carbon emissions and pollution, paving the way for a greener, more environmentally friendly future.
Fosters a culture of shared responsibility
Car sharing supports the mindset of collective responsibility. By sharing access to vehicles, people become more conscious of how resources are used and begin to think beyond their own needs. This shared approach helps highlight the impact that everyday choices, such as how and when we drive, can have on the wider community and the environment.
When people participate in car sharing, they are often more mindful of their driving habits, vehicle care, and overall usage. This increased awareness helps build a stronger understanding of the environmental impact.
Start car sharing today!
Ready to make a real difference for the planet while enjoying the convenience of having a car when you need it? Car sharing isn’t just about saving money or reducing traffic. By choosing to share, you’re contributing to cleaner air and less congestion.
Take the next step today and experience the benefits for yourself. Rent a car from other members at affordable hourly rates. You can register and drive away the same day, with every trip fully insured and supported by roadside assistance. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how car sharing works, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help you start your journey today.
