And the results? Astounding…

Key findings from the 2009 Low-Car Diet include:

• Individuals spent 67% less on vehicle-related costs compared to the previous month when they were driving their
  personally owned cars.
• 59% of participants said that the Low-Car Diet encouraged them to make other environmentally friendly changes in their life such as recycling, eating more organic foods and reducing their at-home energy usage (e.g. turning off lights and air conditioning)
• Individuals took 74% fewer trips by car overall and reduced overall vehicle miles traveled by 66%.
• Low-Car Diet participants doubled their public transit use with an amazing 98%  increased use of public transportation.
• Participants walked 93% more and biked 132% more, logging a combined total of 8,060 miles by bike during the Low-Car Diet month.
• 47% of participants said they lost weight.

These are some amazing results don’t you think? You can check out what participants had to say at the Low Car Diet site.

Zipcar, the company holding the event, offers car share services in many urban areas in the U.S. and in Canada (Vancouver + Toronto) along with London. You basically join up, reserve a car when you need one, and get moving; all for nominal fees as compared to owning your own car. Plus, as shown in the results above, a side benefit is better health and likely lower medical costs in the long run.

We’ll look at more about car sharing soon, but these healthy Low Car Diet results above should give you something to ponder in the meantime.

Post from: Blisstree

Zipcar’s 2009 Low-Car Diet

Try these tips to green your ride:

Ditch the car: Of course, ditching your car is the greenest way to go. Not all the time, but at least some of the time try the following – walking (huh – you remember walking right?), biking, car pooling, public transportation, or roller skates. I know, skates, not so realistic, but the other options are good to go and greener than your car. If you’re really advantageous, try car sharing. Bold and green!

Buy a smaller more gas efficient car: Just because there’s no hybrid sticker slapped on that sucker, doesn’t mean your car can’t be greener than the next guy’s ride. Opt out of monster gas eaters and choose a gas efficient ride to conserve resources and lower your footprint. Need ideas – read Greener Cars.

Use eco-friendly car cleaners: You don’t even need to waste water with some of the newer car cleaners. Consider…

• Eco-Touch – watch for a review soon (I’m just waiting on some warmer weather).
• DIY eco-friendly car washing
• DIY eco-friendly car air freshener
• Look in your local yellow pages to find an eco-friendly car wash near you – these place recycle their water and use non-toxic cleaners.

Purchase eco-friendly car gear. Such as…

• Recycled Floor Mats – Rectangular Waterhog Eco Mats
• Organic infant seat covers
• Organic Quilted Car Seat Cover
• Organic wool car seat cover
• Eco-friendly car wax
• DIY fuzzy car steering wheel cover – (use organic materials)
• Show people what you think with cool green bumper stickers.

Got any other ideas about how to green your ride?

[image via stock.exchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Green Your Ride – Green Car Tips