Do you have to visit relatives this holiday season? Are they local?

If the answer to both of those questions was yes, don't just hop into your car. Anytime a vehicle that isn't a green-mode of transportation is used, pollutants and harmful emissions are let into the air. This has become a large concern across the globe. If you are interested in having a positive impact and shrinking your carbon footprint, here are five eco-friendly methods of travel you can explore this holiday season and year-round.

1. Bikes, Scooters, and Hover Boards

Bicycles are an age-old method of not only getting from point A to point B, but also giving you some healthy exercise. They are good for all of your leg muscles. You never have to worry about loud noises, harmful emissions, or any sort of environmental damage whatsoever. Today, fans of biking have many great choices.

If you are feelings particularly futuristic, you can also try riding an electric bike. An e-bike is a bicycle with a small motor and battery. This makes conquering things such as hills easier, or gives you a break from pedaling--which is useful for older folks and those not quite as strong.

If a bike is too flimsy or low power for you, you can also consider riding an electric scooter or moped to your destination. They don't travel very fast, but mopeds aren't designed for highway use. No matter what speed you are going,  if you are going somewhere local, some mopeds get up to 100 miles per gallon! You don't need to speed over the river and through the woods.

2. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

The electric uprising has been growing rapidly lately. No, we are not talking about the latest indie band. Here at Custom Earth Promos, we are obviously pro-environment, so we are very pro-electric car. Many motorists have switched out gas stations for charging stations. These vehicles are simple to power up, using a 13 amp, or 110-volt, outlet at home or on the go.

One of the most popular 100 percent electric vehicles is Elon Musk's Tesla. While this pricy car looks nice, it won't make the average wallet feel nice. For the average consumer, there is a much more affordable alternative out there, starting around $23,000. It is reportedly being developed by Volkswagen. This makes ownership more practical, and can lead to less pollution. This will lead to better air quality. Car companies are even starting to build hybrid vehicles that use electricity first, saving the gas for when you run out of battery.

3. Carpooling

Carpooling may not be the newest, hottest idea, but it is quite a useful one. If you are traveling to the same location as others you know, riding together cuts down on emissions and traffic. Some states, such as here in Florida, have integrated this into their transportation laws. There are special HOV lanes on the highway. HOV stands for "high occupancy vehicle." To use this lane without getting in trouble, the driver must have at least one passenger. These lanes are meant for carpools and busses.

Car sharing has also become increasingly popular. Taxi services such as Uber and Lyft, and rental apps like Zipcar, make it easy to share the road. Your Uber ride may even be cheaper if you share your car with someone going or coming from somewhere along your route.

These incentives may help others to become more environmentally friendly.

4. Public Transportation

Even though vehicles such as busses have raised concerns in the past, these methods of transportation are still better for the environment. Yes, a bus gives off more emissions than a car, but one bus's worth is still better than that many cars. It also has the same benefits as carpooling. You end up with a smaller carbon footprint, you sit in less traffic, and you save money by purchasing less gas. There have also been recent developments, such as electric trolley cars and trains, that would qualify them as green transport options.

Your city could very well already be exploring ways to make its public transportation system more earth friendly.

5. Walking

This may be the most eco-friendly solution there is. Walking has exactly zero emissions, and it saves the most money. It is also great exercise. There are aerobic, muscular, and mental health benefit. Have the smallest carbon footprint by making a footprint!

It Doesn't Stop There

Everyone should pitch in to help the earth. Eco-friendly transportation is just one suggestion in a long line of green living tactics. Making small adjustments to your daily life can be quite beneficial. Custom Earth Promos can help. You can pack your own lunch. You can bring your own bags to the grocery store. You can also make sure you are always hydrated, which will help you have the energy to participate in eco-friendly activities.