Minimize your automobile dependence

In the previous post we looked at some problems with automobile dependence. However, you don’t have to be a slave to your car. You can learn to live on less automobile time with very few major changes, although, if you’d like to make major changes and minimize your car dependence even more, that’s cool too.

Major changes you can make to minimize your car dependence:

• Live closer to what you need. If you live closer to schools, shops, work, and so on, you’ll obviously drive less.
• Live in a town with excellent public transportation.
• Get rid of one car. One newer study found that Americans alone own about 2.28 vehicles per household. If you learn to live with just one car you can make a huge difference to the environment.
• Carpooling can take some work, which is why I’m placing it in major changes, but once you get going with a carpool plan (for you to work, for the kids to school, etc) it gets easier.
• Make the things you need at home – i.e. grow a garden and drive to the grocery store less. Sew some clothing, fix an item that’s broken instead of buying new, and so on.

Easy changes you can make to minimize your car dependence:

• Use public transportation or bike at least once a week.
• Merge your errands and other car trips together. Short trips actually create more pollution as studies show that more emissions are released during cold start ups.
• Walk somewhere once a week. In my neighborhood we have a community mail area, and I’ve seen people driving to their mailbox, then right back to their home. WTF? Walk somewhere close, walk somewhere far, but do walk at least once, and never drive to the mail folks; not if it’s just down the street.

What other ways can you think of to minimize your dependence on cars?

[image via stock.xchng]