More Stories Of Change

Transportation is responsible for 30% of Edmonton’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As we have learned from the physical isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, not having to commute can greatly reduce pollution and our GHG emissions. However, not all of us can work from home and those of us who can might not be able to do it for the long term. Luckily, there are ways to get around that have low or no impact (aside from the production of the mode of transportation, of course).

Even prior to the pandemic, many Edmontonians were travelling using active modes of transportation. Here are some of your stories.

Gladys Chang:

I love to ride my bike and recently purchased an ebike.

Anthony Dionigi:

At home, my wife and I try our best to reuse everything. We no longer purchase new clothes or furniture but instead make things on our own or buy second hand. We only air dry our clothes as well and use biodegradable and safe detergents and soaps.

We take the majority of our trips now locally and try to bike and take transit everywhere we can. This for sure is true since I work in transit! We have 4 bikes at home for 2 people that we bought used and brought to life ourselves.

We hope to live in a completely renewable household similar to what my father-in-law has in Austria using solar, geothermal and a wood stove. We also want to live and work where we don't need to own a car. We also have our balcony garden which we built using a reused wooden pallet.

Mat Walton:

This past winter I started taking ETS buses for my daily commute. At first it was a challenging adjustment, but after a few weeks I learned to enjoy the trip. Now, listening to podcasts on my commute is one of the highlights of my day.

Robyn Eckert:

Biking to work, eating vegan, reusing, it all feels great and costs less.

Brendon Martens:

Over the last year I found it less economical to drive to school and work as well as various other places and had to find an alternate method of transportation. Therefore I now commute on public transit and as well as by walking or on a longboard. As a result of this change I feel healthier and happier knowing that I have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and I’m getting physical activity too.

Joel Pumple:

After finding a home close to work we are able to easily bike, walk or transit to work and all other amenities we need throughout the week. As a new first-time homeowner we look forward to making our home as efficient and cozy as possible. We are very happy with the new bike lanes and LRT expansions happening and look forward to more sustainable transportation projects in Edmonton's future.

Jawn Lafratta:

I started a community co-op bike shop that recycles old bikes and parts and sells them.

Arlene Crozier:

When buying a few groceries I just walk instead of hopping in the car and it's good exercise!

Sherman Law:

Recently purchased an electric longboard and have been using it for most of my commute - super fun and good for the environment.

James McDouall:

Riding my old bike to work everyday has been amazing, especially during the summer months. Through the river valley for nearly 10 km I see a lot of wildlife and enjoy nature. Awesome decompression after a day at work downtown. Great exercise too, rain or shine :)

This post was a compilation of submissions from various Edmonton community members. Some may have been edited for clarity.

If you live in Edmonton and have a climate change story to tell, let us know! Your story could be shared here too.