Air pollutant emissions from vehicles are a major factor in respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and even cancer, with poor air quality causing an estimated 3.5 million premature deaths a year worldwide.
According to the Climate Council, transport is Australia's third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with cars accounting for around half of the country's transport emissions.
Every year, on the 22nd of September the world marks Car Free Day, to mark the importance of a clean environment. On this day people are encouraged not drive just by themselves in their cars and instead use public transport, join a carpool, ride a bicycle or walk.
SBS Gujarati asked Australians what they think about the importance of a clean environment and if they would be willing to try alternate travelling options.
Transport Sydney Trains and commuters at Central railway station. Source: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Ayesha Ghafar, from Melbourne, told SBS Gujarati: "I believe that it is a great initiative to reduce our carbon footprint by using public transport. Generally, I drive to work but to mark the importance of the day, I plan to travel by train."
Another resident of Melbourne, Vinit Patel, said, "I personally think, we should develop the habit of not using the personal vehicle frequently unless it’s required. If possible, people should try travelling by public transport to and from their work."
Motor vehicles emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the air and according to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution kills more than 3.5 million people a year globally and the figure is increasing each passing year.
People sit in a Sydney Trains carriage during rush hour. Source: AAP Image/David Moir
"Car Free Day is a great concept as it gives an opportunity to the people to take positive and constructive measures to reduce air pollution. To contribute to the initiative, I always prefer a carpool or public transport to attend classes," said student Rashmi Patil.
Kishor Subedi, a student at Swinburne University, agrees: “I always prefer public transport to attend lectures at my university and use a bicycle for other work in my daily routine. This not only helps me to save money but it is also the best way to do exercise."
A cyclist going to work in Melbourne's CBD. Source: AAP Image/Joe Castro
Umar Hafiz said, "I am planning to go out of town this weekend with my friends, instead of using multiple vehicles, we will use carpooling to mark the significance of the day." But he adds: “It is not about eliminating the use of car for just one day, we should start to think about the long-term effects of the continuing use of vehicles," he added.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 19.2 million registered motor vehicles in Australia as of January 2018.
World Car Free Day has been marked since 2000, beginning as a grassroots call to celebrate cities without cars. The date of 22nd September was originally chosen to coincide with the European Union-sponsored European Mobility Week. People from all over the world are encouraged to mark the event in their local communities too.
More stories on SBS Gujarati
Demand for Indian food products is growing in Australia
