Transportation is an essential part of our personal lives and our economy. Unfortunately personal transport is responsible for approximately thirty percent of the United States' greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) each year which contributes to climate change. Therefore, personal transport accounts for nearly a third of a typical person's carbon footprint. Discovering your own carbon footprint is a good place to start when trying to make environmental changes in your life. There are many carbon footprint calculator websites out there and here are a few examples:

 Calculate your Carbon Footprint
 Ecological Footprint Quiz
 Green Living

Cars emit pollution that not only contributes to climate change but also causes respiratory problems for many people in the United States. Here are some ways you can reduce your personal transport environmental impact:

 Use the MBTA, our local public transportation system
 Carpool with friends or co-workers - you get to ride in the HOV lane!
 Get some exercise and walk or bike to school or work
 Instead of having your own car, use a Zipcar or other car-sharing options when you absolutely need to drive
 Buy a more fuel efficient car if you want to use a personal vehicle
 If possible, take a train or a boat instead of largely inefficient airplanes

In an effort to reduce fuel consumpton and energy costs over the next fifteen years the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools recently adopted a policy to purchase only fuel efficient vehicles for municipal and school use.

The Melrose Police Department's fleet currently leads all departments with seven fuel efficient vehicles:

 2010- Two Ford Fusion flex fuel vehicles that run on either regular fuel or E85 (alcohol).
 2010-Two Dodge Chargers V-8's which run on 4-6-8 cylinders depending on the demand.
 2008- One Chevy Tahoe Flex fuel vehicle that runs on either regular gas or E85 (alcohol).
 2007 Two Dodge Chargers V-8's which run on 4-6-8 cylinders depending on the demand.

These purchases have contributed to the City's reduction in gasoline consumption by 8% in FY10 compared to FY09.