Transportation
Tips
Think about how
you get around every day. Where do you go and
how do you get there? How many short trips do
you take with your car? How could you alter your
habits, even a little to save some fuel and wear
and tear on your car, so you can extend its
life?
There are other
ways to get around besides your car, even if
it's a very fuel efficient car, you may be able
to change your habits a bit to save even more
fuel thus saving the Earth's non-renewable
resources. If you live in an urban, or suburban
area you probably have lots of options. To help
with brainstorming, here are a few ideas:
Walk. You
can walk to the store, the library, and the
shopping center. This is good for the
environment and good for your body. Even if
you're just strolling.
Use a bike.
Bikes are a great, quick way to get around, and
are great exercise - easy on the joints. Put a
basket on your bike and head for the store or
the local farmers market.
Use the bus or
the subway. This just makes sense if you
live in an urban area where traffic is often
jammed up. Public transportation is quick and
cheap. Learn the routes and you can get
practically anywhere.
Share a ride.
Not really an alternative form of
transportation, just utilizing what you have
better. If you are heading for the gym, see who
else in your house is planning on going to the
gym today. Make one trip together instead of two
separate trips. Sure, you may have to adjust
your schedule a bit, but it's OK for all of us
to bend a bit now and then.
Consider going
hybrid or flex fuel the next time you're in
the market for a car. Even with a hybrid or flex
fuel car you should still find ways use it less.
Carpool.
This is an oldie, but goodie idea, and it has a
lot of value. Take turns driving, and enjoy the
carpool lane. To make the commute more
enjoyable, agree on what radio stations are OK,
and what subjects not to talk about at 7 AM (no
sense in getting to work in a bad mood because
your carpool buddies don't share the same
political views!).
Making
transportation changes are hard for some. We
like the convenience of jumping in the car
whenever we need something or to run and errand.
Rethink your needs and plan a bit. This will
ease up the use of your car. Try out the public
transportation in your area, and go for a nice
walk or bike ride. See how it works for you, and
feel good about helping our environment.
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