Telecommuting, or working from home, is a goal of many Georgians. Most people already know the most obvious benefit of telecommuting, which is the ability to work at home while wearing pajamas. Although pajamas are very convincing, there are numerous environmental benefits to telecommuting.

The current Georgia drought has made many Georgians more aware of the environment. The lack of rain is not the only harm to the environment. Our daily commute to work harms the environment as well. Nitrogen Oxides and other vehicle emissions are a certain threat to the environment. Nitrogen Oxide results from our vehicle’s combustion of fuel when it burns the air, which is 80% nitrogen. This burning fuel is one of the sources of smog. By telecommuting, you can considerably reduce your vehicle’s contribution to air pollution.

Telecommuting will also save funds that would have otherwise been spent on fuel. Though the extra pocket change is welcomed; we also reduce the demand for crude oil.

If more Georgians telecommute, then the need for more highways would diminish. With fewer commuters on the highways, the current highways would sustain the flow of traffic. With less wear and tear, Georgia’s highways will not need to be repaired as often. Also, we could preserve more of our natural environment since additional highways will not be necessary.

As Georgians, we should all strive to make our communities the best possible. Though surprising to some, these are just a few of the environmental benefits of telecommuting.

Sources: www.cleanaircampaign.com, www.epa.gov/air/