Whether it's improving water and air quality or helping to reverse global warming, New Jersey is at the forefront of environmental initiatives. However, we all must do our part to improve our environment. One of the easiest ways to do so is through Green Commuting, which can help us save the planet and save you stress, time and money!

Green Commuting is more than just the latest buzzword; it can reduce your personal carbon footprint. It includes activities such as biking and walking to work and leaving your car at home once in a while. You'll feel healthier, save money on gas and help keep pollution out of our air. If that's not realistic for you, implement smaller changes. For instance, did you know that simply making sure your tires are properly inflated can lead to a three percent increase in fuel mileage?

New Jersey can help you green your commute through our ridesharing program, Carpooling Makes $ense. Adopted on May 1, 2006, the program has registered over 7,000 carpools since its inception. Each of these carpools saves fuel expenses and vehicle wear and tear, decreases traffic congestion, cuts commuter stress, and reduces pollution by taking cars off the road. For example, sharing a 60-mile commute with one other person can save you around $4,300 annually. As an incentive for participation, the program allows carpools to earn up to $200 in free gas.

Using public transit is another great way to green your commute. Public transit transports people more efficiently than private automobiles. For example, a single bus may carry 75 people, who ordinarily might be spread among 50 individual vehicles. This saves fuel, decreases pollution, and costs each individual a lot less than driving himself or herself. This concept is applicable to trains, ferries and subways as well.

If you would like to cut pollution and save money, get out of your private vehicle and join a carpool, use public transportation, ride a bike or walk to work. Green Commuting is a great way to improve environmental quality and save money at the same time.