CHEROKEE COUNTY — With gas prices hitting an all time high this summer, Woodstock resident Joshua Cardin knew he had to find a way to cut down on his commute.

Every workday over the last three years, he’s made a 22-mile commute from his Woodstock home to his office at Transtechnik Corp USA in Ball Ground.

So last month, Cardin banded together with two co-workers and fellow commuters and formed a carpool.

“Gas had gotten so high,” Cardin said. “I had to find a way to reduce my gas costs.”

In addition to saving money, Cardin’s carpooling has cut down on his stress level by not having to fight traffic every day, he said, and it’s also good for the environment.

Today marks World Environment Day for the United Nations Environment Programme.

Throughout the day, people are encouraged to take action that is beneficial to the environment.

The Atlanta-based Clean Air Campaign has been striving to help the environment for more than 10 years.

“We are encouraging people to take meaningful action to reduce traffic and clean the air around metropolitan Atlanta,” said Brian Carr, Clean Air Campaign Director of Communications. “The best way to start changing that is on the daily commute.

With more than 2.2 million employed workers across metro Atlanta, Carr said 50 percent of the smog in Atlanta was caused by car emissions.

He said 82 percent of commuters drive alone, he added; and majority of Cherokee County commuters work outside of the county.

Since May 1, there have been seven code orange smog alerts for Atlanta. Code orange means the air could be dangerous for children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

The Clean Air Campaign has several programs to help drivers with their commute.

The group will pair commuters up to form carpools and help companies launch teleworking programs.

There is also a financial incentive. The Clean Air Campaign offers commuters $3 a day up to $100 to join carpools or telework.

“It’s just a matter of finding what works for each commuter,” Carr said.

Carpooling has certainly worked for Cardin, who said he is saving $15 per week in gasoline costs.

“I’m looking at the big picture,” he said. “That is $60 a month.”

Cardin said he and his other co-worker, who also lives in Woodstock, rotate driving days. They stop and pick up the third member of their carpool along the route.