Climate change is altering how humanity does business and has pushed several innovations intended to lessen pollution. The focus is shifting to some of the common human activities that are contributing to global warming. Countries are signing agreements to reduce their carbon footprints and offer several incentives for purchasing eco-friendly cars, such as electric cars. For instance, in Singapore, the government is offering Electric Vehicle Early Adopter Incentive (EEVI). This incentive provides an ARF rebate of 45% if one buys a fully electric car beginning 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023, which could be worth up to $20,000.
Additionally, the government imposes hefty registration fees, stamp duties, COE, and taxes to discourage citizens from buying pollutant cars through LTA. However, if you deregister your car before ten years of ownership, the government refunds you a portion of the fees (APRF) as a way of thanking you for reducing pollution. The world is gearing towards other innovations such as car-sharing to reduce the number of greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions.
Car-sharing and the Environment
Car-sharing is a platform that allows customers to request a personal transportation service by renting a vehicle hourly or daily. The car-sharing company owns the car, which is available for use by several customers on demand. Car-sharing has numerous advantages, including reduced fleet maintenance and overhead costs for business. You will also forgo cumbersome reimbursements and insurance premiums associated with owning a personal vehicle. Apart from the reduced financial cost, car-sharing also has huge environmental benefits. Environmental sustainability is one of the major global goals, and car-sharing helps reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, thus reducing global warming.
A recent study by Green Peace indicated that Singapore’s private cars contribute to approximately 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, capable of filling 300 National Stadiums. Car-sharing will solve this problem by reducing the number of cars on the road, thus minimizing carbon emissions. It can also contribute to enhancing environmental health in the following ways:
Reduced Manufacturing Pollution
Car-sharing means that more people will utilize one car repeatedly, resulting in fewer cars demanded. Reduced demand equals reduced manufacturing of vehicles and vehicle parts. A report by the United Nations on Environment Program showed that vehicle manufacturing is harsher to the environment than the manufacture of any other good, such as steel-making and livestock farming. It is also estimated that manufacturing one car will require 39,000 gallons of water, while one tyre will need 500 gallons. These statistics indicate that car-sharing is an ideal way of achieving sustainable environmental health.
More Green Space due to reduced Parking Infrastructure
Major world cities have concrete forests, with concrete pavements that are far from environment-friendly. Car-sharing will reduce the number of cars needing parking infrastructures, such as parking garages, parking lots, and on-street parking. With a rising demand for car-sharing services in Singapore, there will be plenty of space from the formerly used parking infrastructure that can be used to plant grass or trees. The urban green spaces full of vegetation will help absorb some of the GHG for cleaner air and better health.
Reduced Gasoline Burnt
Sharing a car means driving less since you will not just jump into a car for random errands and short trips that merit walking. Car-sharing reduces the total miles driven, and the amount of gasoline burned, contributing to a better climate. Therefore, car-sharing saves you money and protects the ecosystem from dangerous gases.
Better Vehicle Standard
Most cars available for car-sharing services are better rated for emissions because they are often new and meet stipulated regulations and standards. It means that you will travel in an environmentally-friendly car, and what is more, you can choose any car you want to ride in. Car-sharing also saves you on the cost since you can request a car that suits a particular need. For example, if you want to travel to work, you may choose a smaller car at a lower cost with less pollution.
Maximum Use of the Vehicle
Most private cars do not reach their full usage potential before they are replaced. Some studies show that private cars are parked 95% of the time, underscoring the need for car-sharing that promotes full utilization of the automobile. The car-sharing practice is the practice of borrowing someone’s car, but companies, such as Shariot, are bringing this concept to the masses for a brighter future. Most shared cars are often fully used, unlike private-owned ones that are rarely utilized. Shariot’s car-sharing services bring the convenience and flexibility of car ownership with full financial and environmental benefits.
Car Manufacturers and the Environment
Since the start of environmental sustainability campaigns, several vehicle manufacturers have reduced the environmental effects of their manufacturing processes and products. According to the SSMT report, the automotive industry has reduced its environmental impact for the last 15 years by 19% in production. Water usage has also been cut by 35%, and landfill sites reduced by 91%. The invention of electric cars and efficient vehicles has reduced the energy we consume, and GHG spewed into the air. However, there is lots of room for improvement, and with advanced technology, the planet’s future looks brighter. With government commitments and individual actions, humans can change the earth’s trajectory to a better destination.
Car-Sharing benefits with Shariot
Shariot is your convenient and affordable car-sharing and rental partner committed to making our planet green and reducing carbon emissions. The company has cars stationed at several locations within the Island to provide you a ride whenever you need it. Their cars are new models with efficient energy utilization and reduced carbon emission, thus spearheading the fight against climate change. Shariot aims to promote a world where nobody owns a car; all shared at an affordable price. This will reduce GHG emissions in the Singaporean skies for better health and a sustainable future. The planet has reached its brinks, and the evidence of climate change is all over the place. Join us in reclaiming a greener world!
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