When my online friend Amyrlin mentioned that she had changed job locations specifically to be able to walk to work I knew I had to hear more! She was gracious enough to write a guest post for me on the topic. Enjoy her experience and analysis-and make sure you encourage her with some comment love!
The Benefits of Walking to Work
by Amyrlin
Walking to work has multiple benefits. For me, the simple idea of frugality and saving on fuel costs. In my area gas is currently about $3.79 a gallon. To fuel up my van it takes 20 gallons, to fuel up twice weekly, where ¾’s was used for commuting, it came to about $151.00 every week. When I had the opportunity to transfer to a closer location to home I took it! Any began to reap the frugal and health benefits immediately.
I currently walk about a mile each way to work, with the occasional drop off when it is not feasible to walk reducing my costs to about $37.00 a week on gas, depending on the outing, or errand to run requiring a vehicle. A month has passed and I have saved $400.00 out of my budget on gas and commuting costs, I actually banked the difference!
Since I am fueling up less I also cut out my convenience store trips, purchasing fresh brewed coffee or tea instead of utilizing the coffee and tea I have at home. I believe the grand total came to $515.00 (I was getting out of hand purchasing drinks!)
The health benefits for walking to work are numerous and advantageous. Incorporating a daily workout with commuting is perfect for a time crunched woman on the go. I currently work a split shift, so I walk with a vigorous pace a mile each way in the morning burning about 300calories for each morning round trip, then in the afternoon evening trip about 250 calories at a moderate pace. This is great because I have gained some weight in the past year; I needed to see a reverse trend!
When you walk or bicycle to work you are lowering your blood pressure naturally, plus it gives you time to think about your work day ahead or reflect on the day that has passed, dealing with the daily stressors.
I know walking or bicycling to work is not for everyone, but for my situation it has saved money, improved my health (I lost 5 pounds!), and I helped the environment. These are three areas in my life I am always looking to improve!
Do any of you walk or bike to work? What are you doing to save money on transportation costs as the price of gas rises?
Heather (aka Amyrlin in her online life) is a proud mother of four (2 at home), happily married wife, full time student, and Residential Service Supervisor for a group home caring for adults with developmental disabilities. Heather loves playing games and the money game is the best one when it comes to saving it. She love sharing tips and techniques she learn from others, and enjoy seeing other accomplish their frugal pursuits. When it comes to stretching a nickel Heather will be front row applauding and thinking how she may be able to apply it too her life!
References
Herckert, P. (, August 2007). TopTen Reasons to Walk to Work. Suite 101.
Bumgardner, W. (2011). Burning Calories. About.Com. Retrieved from
jennifer says
I used to live in town and walked everywhere because parking was such a hassle. I now live in the country which is great because of less traffic and I can grow a garden. But I miss walking everyday.
Amyrlin says
Jennifer- I must say I am jealous to live in the country and enjoy less traffic and growing a garden (actually I am working on the garden part when I have a little more time on my hands!). I love my neighborhood though and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my personal life and work life closely together, plus the multi-tasking, gives me a chance to save a little bit of time!
Michelle says
Awesome job, Amyrlin! I am so proud of you!
Amyrlin says
Thanks Michelle!
Travis @DebtChronicles says
I live only a few miles from my place of employment as well as the gym I belong to. By biking to both places, I save $50 a month in gas! Isn’t it great to become more physically active AND save money?
Amyrlin says
It has been great Travis! I am planning to purchase a bike with some of the money I saved. Now to find the time……
monique says
Walking to work isn’t an option for me. My daughter’s school is 2 miles away and she gets dropped off, then I drive about 10 miles to work. But even if it was, not sure how feasible in almost 100 degree weather. But I applaud you for sticking to it AND banking the $ you’re saving. That’s awesome and amazing!
Amyrlin says
Thanks Monique! Walking or bike riding for your commute is not feasible for everyone. When I resided in Maryland I live about a mile and a half to two miles to work and I walked off and on, but the main road did not have a sidewalk, the weather was not conducive to walking year round, and I worked overnights and had to walk in the dark. I chose to carpool for most of my time I spent there, mainly for my safety and well-being. Always consider your safety and health before changing your method of commuting.
Donalyn says
I can walk to work too – because it is just across the livingroom 🙂 I choose to work from home for a number of reasons, and saving on commuting expense is just one of them. We live in the middle of nowhere, and to equal the pay I earn now, I would have to drive at least 35 to 40 miles each way. I do customer service as a home based agent and while I’m not saving the world, working from home frees up my time so that I can work on my blogs, as well as spend hours every week in our gardens.
If, however, if I did live in a more urban setting, I would definitely make the choice to walk or bike to work. I like being outside a whole lot more than being in a car. Thanks for the great article.
[not highjacking the post, but I know people will ask: Yes, my company is hiring – ping me on Twitter @dlynz if you’d like some info. No, I don’t gain anything for referrals.]
Amyrlin says
Hello Donalyn,
I think working from home is wonderful when possible. My hubby does some work from home, I have a wonderful friend who teaches online and sells her crafts from home through her etsy store website, and of course our wonderful host Jenn I believe blogs from home. Working from home is another great way to save bucks. I go to school online, if I had to drive somewhere to take a class I would have to work a different job, and I am not willing to do so. I can work up to 16 hours a day, depending on the day, and knowing how close I am is a comfort on the long days!
Robert Truitt says
Working from home is a great way to save on expense such as gas, child care, and even waiting for long traffic to get out your way. Before I start working from home I had to walk to my job mostly everyday and I must say that I really got tried of it and had to find other options.