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With the recent climb in gas prices, more American families are actually spending more money on transportation than they are on food.
While this frightening fact might seem more paralyzing than pro-active--especially for those of us still stuck behind the wheel--there is something simple we can do: By driving a mere ten fewer miles per week, we can bypass the pump and plump up our wallets. And, lessen the pollution that ordinarily puts pressure on our declining polar bear population--and our planet as a whole. In fact, cutting back on ten driven miles a week would prevent the same amount of global warming producing, carbon dioxide that is emitted by producing electricity for eight million homes.
Driven by this money and planet-saving "reduced driving" fact, the Ad Council, Environmental Defense Fund and Ogilvy New York are using PSAs (Public Service Announcements) to urge the nation to 'Ride, Don't Drive.' How? By taking advantage of all the things we oh-so-advocate for here on Planet Green: public transit, carpool systems and biking. Starting today, the series of broadcast and online viral announcements will air nationwide on various websites and TV stations, including right here on Planet Green.
The PSAs feature work from Joshua Harris, a student at the School of Visual Arts and an internationally renowned street artist, known for creating various animals, serpents and monsters out of recyclable trash bags. Josh’s animal-based artistic vision was put to work in the PSAs including his profound polar bear sculptures - reminding us of their plight to survive amidst a changing climate due to global warming, and ultimately, why it’s so important for us to kick our key-to-ignition habit.
Andy Darrell, Vice President for Living Cities Program at Environmental Defense Fund says, "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these 'Ride, Don't Drive' PSAs are worth a million words showing a clear connection between personal action and climate solutions. Americans can make a rare triple play with 'Ride, Don't Drive.' Just leave the car at home a few times a week and you can give a helping hand to a polar bear, your lungs and your family budget."
If you happen to miss seeing one of the PSAs go live on air, go to www.fightglobalwarming.com to view them online, calculate your carbon footprint and learn about energy-saving tips.
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