With the hustle and bustle of modern life, cars have become an integral part of daily routines, commuting us to work, carting our heavy groceries, and whisking us off on weekend getaways. While it may be difficult to ditch the car altogether, with rising fuel prices and increasing cost of living, minimising your car use can help your wallet and reduce your carbon emissions.

Nearly half of the average Brisbane household’s emissions come from transportation. By incorporating alternative modes of transportation into your lives, you will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save on fuel bills and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.

Minimising your car use doesn’t mean abandoning your vehicle but rather finding a balance between convenience and necessity, while embracing travel options that can support our health, reduce peak-hour stress, and lower vehicle costs. Before jumping into your car out of habit, ask yourself if you really need to use your vehicle. We’ve compiled practical tips to help you navigate between car use and low-carbon travel options.

Combine errands

One of the simplest ways to minimise car use is to plan your trips strategically. At the start of the week or before heading out, take a moment to map out your errands and combine multiple tasks into one outing. By consolidating your activities, you can significantly reduce your number of car trips, cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions. Plus, you’re gifting yourself some extra spare time back into your week!

Hop on public transport

Public transportation, such as buses, ferries or trains, offers a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving, especially for daily commuting or travel to nearby destinations.  Brisbane features an extensive public transport network and one of the largest carbon-neutral bus fleets in Australia. With public transport you can sit back, relax, and utilise your commute time for reading, catching up on emails, or enjoying entertainment. TransLink has got you covered with all the information you need to know to take public transport in Brisbane.

Embrace active travel

Brisbane boasts over 4,800 kilometres of bikeways and shared pathways, making active travel options like walking or cycling for short distances or when running local errands, an easy and sustainable travel option. As well as reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your fuel and maintenance costs, being active improves your mental and physical health. Check out the Brisbane Bikeway Map to see where your closest path is and Brisbane City Council’s programs Cycling Brisbane and Active School Travel can help you get started with resources, information and incentives.

Share the ride

Another effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is by sharing your journey with others. Whether it’s using ride-sharing options like UberPool or carpooling with neighbours or colleagues, sharing your trip can turn a mundane commute into a chance to connect with others or even forge new friendships. Sharing the ride not only reduces emissions and saves on petrol costs, but many cities offer dedicated lanes exclusively for vehicles with multiple passengers, providing a faster and more efficient commute for carpoolers.

Create car-free days

Brisbane boasts over 4,800 kilometres of bikeways and shared pathways, making active travel options like walking or cycling for short distances or when running local errands, an easy and sustainable travel option. As well as reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your fuel and maintenance costs, being active improves your mental and physical health. Check out the Brisbane Bikeway Map to see where your closest path is and Brisbane City Council’s programs Cycling Brisbane and Active School Travel can help you get started with resources, information and incentives.

Assess your garage

Take a moment to consider if all the cars in your household are truly essential. Think about whether you could benefit from downsizing your cars to save on maintenance and insurance expenses. You’ll still have access to car-sharing options and ride-sharing services should you need a second vehicle for a special trip.

Can’t avoid having that second car or needing to buy one? Consider going electric! Electric vehicle ownership in Australia is picking up speed, with more options available, more public charging stations, and better battery life and range. Not only will you be doing your part to lower emissions, but you’ll also save money in the long run.