Another reason that I think commuting is stupid is its negative effects on health and the environment. An interesting study found that, in the Metro Vancouver region, living near major roadways is a major risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular problems (http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/AirQualityPublications/CaringfortheAir2017.pdf). Pollution levels, not surprisingly, tend to peak during commuting hours, and a graph generated by this study showed what seem to be pretty significant differences between pollution levels at the morning and afternoon rush hour periods during the weekdays (when most people are commuting) versus weekends.
The type of pollution that is of greatest concern consists of ultra-fine particles, which are usually the product of combustion engines and industrial activities and are difficult to expel from the lungs. The report suggested that vehicles remain one of the most significant sources of these ultra-fine particles that we all breathe in every day. Another study found that ultrafine particle concentrations are up to four times greater near highways compared with places further away from major roads (https://www.utoronto.ca/news/national-air-pollution-report-highlights-rush-hour-traffic-diesel-truck-emissions-major-areas). Taken together, the research suggests that people who live close to major, busy roads, are the unintended victims of a commute-oriented society. Further, aside from these effects on health, private vehicle operation accounts for substantial percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions. I believe the data suggest that commuting to and from work is probably the most common activity that people use their own private cars for. As someone with asthma who cares about the environment, the possible effect of commuting on my health and global climate are quite concerning.
Perhaps not surprisingly, I have read many reports suggesting that the global quarantines and lockdowns associated with the coronavirus have probably resulted in significant reductions in pollution. Cities in other parts of the world that characteristically have dangerously high pollution levels have shown enormous drops in pollution, almost nearing more normal or healthy levels. As restrictions begin to lift in many places, and the roads get busier, I imagine things might start to bounce back to normal.
I do think, however, that this unwanted experiment imposed on us by the coronavirus should make us think about activities that we normally consider to be a given, such as commuting. I think a lot of people just assume that working means that you have to travel back-and-forth to a particular place every day. This is certainly true for people in certain types of occupations. It would be awfully hard to get dental work done, or to pack warehouses, deliver goods, build houses or buildings, or grow crops via Zoom! But what if, even after things become more normal, those who could decide, that they would work from home even 1/3 of the time? What if we did this from here on out? This seemingly small change could have an enormous impact on pollution levels, health, and even our well-being, increasing time spent with loved ones or engaged in other healthy activities, and so forth. Although none of us would have asked for this worldwide pandemic, I think it does give us an opportunity to pause, think about the things we normally take for granted or think we have to do, and make decisions that will enhance our health and wellbeing and that of others. ~Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., R.Psych.