Guest post by Ian Todd

“Was this trip really necessary?” Motorists during World War II heard this phrase often because they were encouraged to avoid any unnecessary car trips. This was part of a larger concerted effort to prevent wasting precious resources in support of the war effort. Today, that phrase takes on new relevance. More people are aware of the effect they have on the environment throughout their everyday lives — especially when it comes to their driving habits. Although many people have taken steps such as buying hybrid or electric vehicles, there are some other, more surprising ways to reduce the emissions we contribute to the air. One of the most significant may be changing the way we park.