If Google didn’t already do enough, they recently released a Plug-In for Google Chrome that allows users to view their carbon footprint on the Maps feature. This allows users to get directions while tracking their emissions.
This is big deal because most people are visual learners. Implementing this feature allows people to actually see the damage they are causing and possibly persuade them to walk or find an alternative means of transportation.
Recently Los Angeles went through what everyone thought would be Carmageddon; however, it was more like Carmaheaven. There was virtually no traffic with the closure of the 405 freeway and the scare tactic worked. This proved a very valid point; it’s possible, even for big cities like LA to cut back on traffic by keeping people out of their cars.
Granted it was a weekend, I think what Google is doing may possibly be the first step in getting people out of their cars and on their feet by showing them that driving three blocks does impact the environment.
