Stony Brook University has been crowned the 2024 champion of the annual Car Free Day Long Island.
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every September in which people are encouraged to get around without cars. This year, an impressive 892 members of the Stony Brook community pledged to swap out at least one car trip on September 22, choosing instead to walk, bike, carpool, ride the train or bus, or telecommute — making SBU the top performer among all participating Long Island organizations.
Car Free Day Long Island encourages individuals across the region to reduce their reliance on cars for a day, helping to cut down on carbon emissions and promote alternative, eco-friendly modes of transportation. This year’s collective efforts saved a remarkable 78 tons of CO2 emissions, showing the impact small changes can have when made by a committed group.
Stony Brook University’s Office of Sustainability led the charge, encouraging students, staff, and faculty to embrace the challenge through emails to students and employees as well as postings on social media. The event aligns not only with the campus sustainability goals, but also promotes the use of the Wolf Ride Bike Share program, and coincides with Stony Brook’s Bike Friendly University recognition.
“Participating in initiatives like Car Free Day Long Island helps to bring awareness to the power of collective action when approaching climate solutions,” said Erin Kluge, sustainability coordinator for Campus Facilities and Services. “Incorporating alternative travel options in our routine when possible is one of the many great ways we can help lessen our carbon footprint.”
Since first participating in 2013, SBU has attracted more than 500 pledges each year. This year’s record-breaking turnout shows the campus community’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“A great part of Car Free Day Long Island is that it helps put our reliance on our vehicles into perspective. While the event reduced carbon emissions, the awareness it sparked will continue to have lasting effects,” said Environmental Studies major Max Cruz, ‘25.
Participants were entered into a drawing to win prizes, including Giant Escape 3 and Liv Alight 3 bikes, a 10-trip All-Access Long Island Pass from the LIRR, and an annual Bike Share membership.
Last year, Car Free Day was celebrated by 3,100 cities in 50 countries. The event draws in participants in a variety of fields, from interested parties to organizations committing to the pledge. This year, 3,912 Long Islanders pledged to go car free.
— Beth Squire
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