'No My Car Week' Reduces 22.4 Tons of CO2 in Japanese City

The city of Kashiwazaki in northwest Japan implemented a "No My Car Week" from June 14 to 20, 2011, during which people were encouraged to use public transportation instead of their own cars. The program successfully reduced fuel consumption by nearly 10,000 liters, roughly equivalent to 22.4 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the city announced on August 14.

Located in the center of Niigata Prefecture, Kashiwazaki has a goal to become a "city with energy and environmental consciousness striving to become a low carbon society." To achieve this, the city is actively carrying out projects to reduce CO2 emissions, the "No My Car Week" being a part of such an initiative.

Since many people in Japanese cities travel by car, the "No My Car Week" program is an effective and easy way to reduce CO2 emissions. In Kashiwazaki, the program was held for a week from June 14, during which people were encouraged to walk, bicycle, or use public transportation on daily commutes or outings on holidays. A total of 2,699 citizens from 86 organizations including the city office participated in the program, a large increase from the previous year. Given the successful outcome of CO2 reduction, the city plans to hold another "No My Car Week" from October 14-20, 2011.

Posted: 2011/12/03 06:00:15 AM