(NewsUSA) - It's routine for many on an average workday -; climb out of bed, hop in a car and brave the slow-moving traffic to work without thinking twice. But nixing the drive, and opting for public transportation instead, can be a benefit to the environment.

A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted throughout the full life cycle of a person, product or service. According to a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), when compared to other household actions to limit carbon dioxide, taking public transportation can be more than 10 times greater in reducing harmful greenhouse gases.

"Public transportation use should be at the top of the list of ways for households to become greener," said William W. Millar, president of APTA. "Switching to public transit gives a person the opportunity to immediately become part of the solution to help reduce carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas."

And while it is very important to increase green efforts within the home, many indoor changes do not reduce carbon dioxide levels at the rate that using public transportation can. A solo commuter switching to public transportation can reduce their daily carbon dioxide emissions by 20 pounds, which can lessen a household's carbon footprint up to 10 percent annually.

Replacing an older refrigerator with a new, more efficient model has carbon savings of 335 pounds a year. Weatherizing a home and adjusting the thermostat for heating and cooling saves 2,847 pounds a year. But switching a commute to public transportation saves an incredible 4,800 pounds a year -; and is one of the most significant actions a household member can take to immediately reduce their carbon footprint.

Public transportation also provides benefits beyond carbon dioxide reductions. In an age when preserving our environment is a top priority, taking your foot off of the gas pedal is one way to do just that.

For more information, visit www.publictransportation.org.