2020 Cleaner Commute Award Winners
Seven (7) years ago, the Clean Air Council launched its Clean Air Commute Awards to highlight the efforts of commuters and employers in the Philadelphia area who go the extra mile for sustainable commuting.
Normally, there are two distinct awards: a Clean Air Commute Employer award and a Clean Air Commuter of the Year award. The Clean Air Commute Employer Award recognizes a company or organization that goes above and beyond to support their employees in getting to work without driving alone. On the other hand, the Clean Air Commuter of the Year is an individual who shows a commitment to getting to work sustainably, and encouraging their coworkers to do the same or their workplace to adopt clean commuting policies.
The year 2020 was filled with surprises which caused major shifts in our commute patterns. Therefore, Clean Air Council has decided to share the award by saluting everyone in the region.
Due to the pandemic, many companies and organizations were forced to maintain operations virtually, some full-time while others developed hybrid schedules. Telecommuting skyrocketed, and the beginning of the pandemic saw some of the least congestion and lower air pollution in many years. Indego, Philadelphia’s bike share system, had more riders than ever before making essential trips to grocery stores and pharmacies. While we are sharing the award, the Council would like to highlight a few heroes:
- Our Healthcare Workers: in this drastic time you were all committed to serving our communities and risked your lives to serve us all. Thank you for your continued service.
- Our Transit Workers: transit ridership faced an all-time low, but transit never stops running. This was very important and helpful as many people, particularly essential workers, depend on transit to get food and medications. We salute you.
- Our Grocery Store and other Essential Workers: guidelines around the pandemic changed frequently, but our grocery store and other essential workers were loyal and maintained clean stores which allowed everyone to safely get food and other necessities. Thank you all.
In previous years, we would present this award during the Run for Clean Air, which is a virtual event for this year. There is still time to celebrate Earth Day and support Clean Air Council by registering and participating in this year’s virtual Run for Clean Air. The event spans from April 17-24, 2021. We hope next year we will see you all in person to give out these awards!
With vaccinations being rolled out and more people are returning to commuting please do so sustainably. Sustainable commute options include:
- Biking and Walking – these are great modes of transportation that are carbon-free, inexpensive, and a great way to exercise which is good for our health.
- Public transit – reduces congestion and lowers carbon emissions while helping individuals save money. SEPTA and other transit agencies are working hard to ensure your return to transit is a safe one.
- Telework/Flextime – working from home reduces congestion. Flextime allows employees to avoid traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Carpool/Vanpool – this option reduces the number of personal vehicles on the roads and helps to lower the City’s carbon footprint.
All these sustainable commuting options provide both personal and environmental benefits. We hope you travel sustainably and safely!
