Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Program details
Page 3: Determining costs
Page 4: Reducing your impact
True Cost of Travel - Program Details
As Quakers we try to be truthful at all times. In addition to speaking truth, this includes how we act and live our lives. One way to live truthfully is to be aware of the hidden costs of our actions and take steps to reduce them.
Our program is a small step toward reducing our contribution to global warming. First try to reduce the impact of your travel as much as possible. See our list on page 4 for some suggestions. Then we offer a voluntary way to help offset the negative impact that remains. We have established a True Cost of Travel fund, to which you can contribute, that will be used to support the Scattergood Friends School sustainability program. By making a financial contribution to the fund, you are helping to reduce the environmental impact and financial cost of energy to Scattergood, which will also aid them in their core educational mission.
Scattergood School is a Quaker boarding high school located near West Branch, Iowa. The students and staff are involved in an exciting sustainability program aimed at reducing energy use on the campus and eventually installing a wind generator. Learn more about Scattergood.
How it works
Every time you travel by car, plane, or other motorized means, set aside a small additional amount of money to represent the true cost of that travel. When the amount reaches a reasonable sum, bring or send it in.
Suggested amounts are as follows. For more information on how these amounts were determined see page 3.
Car - 12 cents for each gallon of gas or $.004 per mile for a car that averages 30 MPG.
Plane - $.0053 per passenger mile.
Train - $.0024 per passenger mile.
Intercity Bus - $.001 per passenger mile.
Commuter Bus - $.004 per passenger mile.
The dollar amounts are not large, and if it is set aside at the time of purchase, most will not find it too difficult to help pay the true cost of their travel.
Send donations to:
True Cost of Travel
Yahara Friends Meeting
PO Box 14332
Madison, WI 53708-0332
Email us here with any questions or suggestions.
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Program details
Page 3: Determining costs
Page 4: Reducing your impact