Photo credit:
ubrayj02 on flickr
"The issue of climate change is one that
we ignore at our own peril. There may still
be disputes about exactly how much we're
contributing to the warming of the earth's
atmosphere and how much is naturally occurring,
but what we can be scientifically certain
of is that our continued use of fossil fuels
is pushing us to a point of no return. And
unless we free ourselves from a dependence
on these fossil fuels and chart a new course
on energy in this country, we are condemning
future generations to global catastrophe." Barack Obama
There is no doubt that a world with less cars would make it a whole lot easier to breathe.
One of the biggest challenges of living an environmentally friendly life is finding reliable green transportation. Employing a low car diet would certainly have many health benefits for Mother Earth and for us. As hard as it may be to imagine, there are many totally realistic options--especially in urban areas--to a high car diet. Lowering our carbon footprint by consuming less fossil fuel can be viable, everyday form of eco-activism.
Here are a few ideas about how to consume less fossil fuel:
- Get bicycle trailers for your family bikes, these trailers are sophisticated and specific to a variety of hauling tasks. Bicycling is the greenest way to get around on wheels and the possibilities for adapting it as a viable mode of family transport are astonishing. Bicycle for a day, a week, a month, or a year, you can even tote along the family pets!
- Think about a Zip Car rental for those occasions where a a car is needed, with a rental you can enjoy the benefits of a car without the hassle of ownership.
- Take advantage of the public transportation options such as Heavy rail, Light rail, Trolley bus or Commuter bus lines in your area to get to and from work or play.
- Consider downsizing to an electric Scooter or Motorcycle as your major mode of transport.
- Walk whenever possible, it is good for the planet and you! Shanks mare, where we employ the "horse of ten toes", is really the most green way to get around!
- Use carpooling as a way to save on time/energy and at the same time build a sense of community.
- Plan your next trip or vacation using the public transit system.
If you think that going car free is impossible with a family, here is a wonderfully inspiring family who did just that!
Get inspired, get creative, get energized and go, go, go green!
How to join the Canvolution
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Check out http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/ for lots of photos and comments on interesting uses of bikes in Copenhagen where over 40% of trips are on bikes.
Bike trailers work, but they are very different and I recommend trying several if you can. There are a lot of utility bikes on the market these days - very northern european. Xtracycles are a good example if you are looking to haul stuff. Madsen is new - I haven't ridden one yet, but they deserve a look. I would consider these 2nd bikes that are great for hauling.
Sukie has problems with balance and went for an adult trike. Trek makes a great model that has lots of space for carrying groceries. It is fine for modest hills and trips up to about 10 miles. She has been stopped by many women around here and I've seen a few pop up in the past few months. Ask at a Trek shop - they usually have to order.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/pure/puret...
If you are getting rid of a car, you can easily justify nice bikes.
The really nice thing about walking and biking is you get off your rear and get some real exercise. Too many Americans get far too little.
Gee Steve, Thank you for the Wonderful link, Great site! You are so right, most of us could benefit greatly from some exercise and communing with nature! Thanks so much for the Great info.
Cheers,
Lucy
I've been selected for Zipcar's Low-car Diet in DC this year. I've made a commitment to give up my keys for 30 days and use alternate modes of transportation. The ideas above are GREAT! So far it has been a wonderful experience. Lots of fresh air and new sites. If you'd like to follow my experience, I'm blogging about it at http://lowcardietdc.livejournal.com and also on twitter @plurbwoi - whenever possible I'll be uploading pics and potentially video of city sights/experiences that catch my eye. You can also check out http://www.zipcar.com/lowcardiet for participant information in all of the various cities partaking in the diet as well as updates from low-car dieters.
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