How We Get Around

Live Net Zero Email Service

Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to household carbon emissions and can  be a source of stress, disconnection, and pollution in our communities.

The good news? When we rethink how we get around, we unlock benefits far beyond reducing emissions.

What your household should aim for:

This challenge is about reducing your transport emissions from how you get around in all your daily activities – including commuting to work or school, grocery runs, school drop-offs, weekend getaways,  errands, and trips to the park or nature or other leisure activities.

  • What’s already working? Reflect on your current mobility choices and emissions and any changes you’ve made.
  • What’s next? Try at least one new lower-carbon commuting or travel option, either individually or as a family.
  • What can we all learn? Share insights, surprises, and lessons learned to inspire Canadians to Live New Zero!

Start with where you’re at. Maybe you already bike to the store, walk your kids to school, or work from home part of the week. You can take some smart steps, like planning errands to reduce driving or exploring shared transportation options. Or, you might opt for a bigger change, like switching to an electric vehicle or investing in an e-bike. Every step counts. This challenge recognizes all efforts, and this is a journey.

Action ideas

Starting points:

  • If you don’t already, try walking, biking, or taking public transit for 1-2 short trips a week.
  • If you mostly drive for errands, plan your route to reduce distance, or carpool and turn errands into a shared outing.
  • Plan a weekend adventure using only active or shared transportation like walking, cycling or transit.
  • Drive efficiently: avoid hard acceleration, keep tires properly inflated, remove roof racks and don’t idle.
  • Talk to your employer about the option of hybrid or remote workdays.
  • Start a walking school bus or groups to connect on walking, biking, e-scootering, and transit trips, or a carpool group for when a vehicle is a better option.
  • Check out local mobility hubs or apps offering shared transportation options.

Bigger moves:

  • Make transit or active transportation your default for daily travel.
  • Swap your personal car for a shared or electric vehicle – or both.
  • Invest in an e-bike or cargo bike, and install secure storage or a bike rack to make everyday riding easier.
  • If you’re considering a move, choose a location closer to work, school or daily essentials. Also look for locations that have infrastructure to support walking, biking, e-scootering, etc.; accessible transit; and services to meet your needs locally. 
  • Collaborate with local transit agencies or cycling groups to host community events.
  • Choose nearby or regional destinations and explore your area like a traveler.
  • Slow down your travel: stay longer in one place and use walking, cycling, or buses and trains to get around.
  • When flying, choose direct routes, stay close to your destination, and support local food, lodging, and culture.

Shift the system:

  • See if your city or province offers rebates for electric vehicle and e-bike purchases. If not, advocate for them.
  • Start or join a community electric car share or e-bike share.
  • Find out if your neighbourhood has transit and walkability initiatives that create safer options for residents.
  • Ask landlords or condo boards to install EV chargers and secure bike storage.
  • Start or join local groups advocating for improved transit and better infrastructure for walking and biking.
  • Advocate for stronger local and provincial incentives for electric mobility and cycling.
  • If you have access to public transit, encourage them to quickly transition their fleet to electric. You could also ask local school boards to make the switch to electric school buses.
  • Organize or join a neighbourhood commuting challenge to build momentum with others.
  • Share what you’re learning beyond your household: it helps others take action too.
  • Join online conversations about the future of transport – online, in your community or both.
  • Advocate for inter-city and long-distance electric high speed rail to provide an alternative to vehicle commuting and flying.

Track progress and share your results

  • Document before & after: Take photos or videos showing your commuting changes.
  • Keep a journal: Track your commuting costs and savings over time.
  • Use an energy calculator: Find an online tool to calculate your transport emissions.

Share and engage for a chance to win prizes!

To enter, share your actions on public social media with #LiveNetZero2025, and check the How to Enter page to make sure your entry counts. Follow along with the hashtag to see what others are doing too! Use these sample social media prompts – or develop your own:

“What’s the most joyful way you’ve commuted this month?”
“A before-and-after of my daily route – check out what’s changed!””
“What’s your dream commuting lifestyle? Here’s mine.”
“How are you pushing for broader change?”

If you’re in our Top 10 for this Challenge, you’ll have a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000 or a runner-up prize of $500.

How to enter

Follow along...

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