On a recent trip to Chicago, I was surprised to see a good number of hybrid taxis on the streets, mostly  Ford Escape hybrids. Even if you haven’t taken the plunge of purchasing a hybrid car, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuel, and your carbon footprint by taking a hybrid taxi whenever you need to grab a cab.

According to Ford, the 2 wheel drive Ford Escape hybrid taxis are 80 percent more fuel efficient than the original Escape, and drivers get 36 miles per gallon in the city. Driving a hybrid taxi is a big profit incentive for cab drivers- less money going in the gas tank each week. And, since  hybrid vehicles help cities reduce carbon emissions, some cities are offering perks such as discounted licensing rates to taxi cab drivers who drive green taxis. Here’s more information on green taxi cabs.  Photo:  Adam Rountree/AP Photo

One of the best ways to live green is to eat locally grown foods. Here’s why:

Transportation: Have you ever thought about the amount of energy it requires to transport food (or anything else) across oceans? It’s estimated that the average food item travels more than 1,500 miles before it reaches your table. Transporting fresh produce or other items grown or packaged overseas contributes to the growing environmental problems of air pollution, carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

Health: By choosing local, organic foods you’ll be eliminating a host of toxins,preservatives, and pesticides from your dinner plate, and that’s a recipe for a long and healthy life!

So, do yourself and the environment a favor- reduce carbon emissions, save energy and eat healthier by choosing locally grown foods.