In 2024, according to applicant data, 164 of our members self-reported they would either sell a car or avoid buying one when joining Ithaca Carshare.
Using a number of formulas from the EPA and other sources, for each reduction in personal car use, that reduces their annual Vehicle Miles Traveled by approximately 3,700 miles per driver, or 480,383 miles, which translates into 21,256 gallons of gasoline avoided.
In addition, we use lighter, fuel efficient, hybrid, and Electric Vehicles in our fleet, further increasing the number of gallons of gasoline saved, bringing the total number to 23,132. After subtracting the gallons of gasoline that Ithaca Carshare used in 2024 (4,422), that leaves us with 18,711 fewer gallons of gasoline used in our community.
The EPA has a handy formula for converting gallons of gas into metric tons of carbon dioxide. By choosing Ithaca Carshare instead of buying a car, our members prevented a total of 166 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (while saving money, too).
Put another way, this reduction in 166 metric tons of carbon dioxide equates to:
- 22.3 homes’ energy use for one year, or
- 34.7 homes’ electricity use for one year, or
- 385 barrels of oil consumed
- 7,639 propane cylinders used for home barbeques
- 184,711 pounds of coal burned
- 13,443,578 number of smartphones charged
Ithaca Carshare can help families reduce their carbon footprint while not losing access to cars on an as-needed basis. If you’re thinking about getting rid of a car and joining, please reach out to us today with any questions you may have! We’ve helped thousands of Ithacans access a car when needed without having to own one.
Find out more here:
https://www.ithacacarshare.org/why-carshare/