Carpooling is cheap, sustainable and…romantic? Rachel and Matthew Fowler think so. They say that carpooling serves to strengthen their marriage.

Since they started carpooling four years ago, the Fowlers have spent an extra month’s worth of time together in the car. Rachel says that carpool time is actually quality time.

“Carpooling brings us closer because we have extra time to spend with each other,” she said. “Laughing with a loved one in traffic also makes it more bearable.”

She gets a kiss each morning from Matthew right outside of her office and loves “seeing him waiting to pick me up after a tough day. Seeing him in our car puts a smile on my face!”

In addition to the quality time gained, the Fowlers have saved an estimated $12,000 on gas over the years. What are they doing with the extra money? “Saving, saving, saving!” said Rachel, “We hope to buy new furniture for the living room and dining room.”

Matthew and Rachel log their commutes daily for a chance to win a $25 gift card. So far, they have each won once.

The Fowlers have also kept more than six tons – roughly the weight of an African elephant – of pollution out of the air.

You can reduce your pollute like the Fowlers by taking part in the One Ton Challenge. For every mile you carpool, vanpool, walk, bike, telework or take transit instead of driving alone, you’re keeping a pound of pollution out of the air. Clean commute just once a week, and you’ll meet the goal of reducing a ton of pollution in a year.

The Fowlers prove that carpooling is cheap, sustainable and yes: romantic. So try carpooling with your loved one, or turn to RideSmart, the regional rideshare service, to find a (platonic) carpool that works for you.