2011 First-Class Forever Stamp,Go Green: Share Rides

 U.S. #4524c
2011 Share Rides
Go Green

Issue Date: April 14, 2011

City: Washington, DC

Quantity: 160,000,000

Printed By: Avery Dennison

Printing Method: Photogravure

Color: Multicolored

The morning drive to work can be stressful, as commuters juggle hot coffee, shake their fist at other drivers, moan at traffic jams, and swear that traffic lights see them coming and deliberately turn red. Would it be cheaper and easier to get together with other drivers and “carpool?”

Carpooling means travelers ride together in one vehicle to drive to similar locations, such as the office or school functions. The most obvious savings are in the amount of gas used. But having a buddy or two along for the ride can reduce driving stress.

The environmental benefits are also dramatic. A mid-sized car pumps about 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air per gallon of gas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the “greenhouse gasses,” which absorb radiation and then release it into the atmosphere. That contributes to a “greenhouse effect,” which is one cause of global warming. Reducing the number of cars with carpooling in turn reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Carpooling has additional benefits. Teaming up with other commuters helps decrease the amount of congestion on the roads, making traveling easier and safer. With friends and coworkers joining a daily commute, carpooling can make the morning drive a lot easier to handle, and perhaps even add to the fun.