The holiday season in Minnesota is filled with gatherings, dazzling lights, and journeys to visit loved ones across our beautiful state. Yet, as Minnesotans take to the roads for these festive occasions, it’s also a time when vehicle emissions can rise, contributing to challenges that affect the natural places we love.

This year, why not add a dose of stewardship to your holiday travels? Carpooling is a simple and impactful way to reduce emissions, connect with others, and show care for Minnesota’s natural landscapes.

The Benefits of Carpooling: Low Emissions, High Impact

Every carpooling trip reduces the number of vehicles on the road, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer cars also mean less traffic congestion and safer roads, making your holiday travels more enjoyable. By choosing to carpool, you’re actively contributing to healthier natural places for future generations of Minnesotans while preserving the places we all cherish.

Make Carpooling Part of Your Holiday Plans

1. Coordinate with Family and Friends

Heading to Grandma’s house for a holiday dinner? Or caroling in your neighborhood? Use group chats to organize carpools and simplify plans.

2. Carpool to Shopping Destinations

Holiday shopping can be hectic, and parking lots can get crowded. Share rides with friends to local markets, malls, or holiday pop-ups. You’ll save on gas, reduce emissions, and make the experience more fun.

3. Spread the Word

Share your carpooling plans with others and encourage them to join in. Neighbors, coworkers, and community groups are often looking for ways to travel together.

Caring for Minnesota’s Natural Places

Minnesota is home to incredible natural beauty, from the rolling prairies to the lush forests and thousands of lakes. By carpooling, you’re not only reducing emissions but also playing a part in caring for these spaces for everyone to enjoy. Every small step—like sharing a ride—adds up to significant progress in keeping Minnesota’s air clean and landscapes thriving.

Carpooling: A Holiday Gift for All

This holiday season, let’s give a gift to Minnesota: fewer emissions, less traffic, and stronger connections with our fellow Minnesotans. Carpooling is a simple yet meaningful way to care for each other and the natural places that make our state so special.

So grab a thermos of hot cocoa, queue up your favorite holiday playlist, and hop into a shared ride. Together, we can make this season one of joy, togetherness, and stewardship.

Want more tips on caring for Minnesota? Take the Upstream Pledge and join hundreds of Minnesotans dedicated to making a positive impact on our natural places.