Go Green by Driving Less

Go Green in 2014: Week 39

While cars create convenience and comfort, they also come with their own set of problems. Why aren't most cars today very "green"? Let's take a look at a few reasons we should try to reduce the amount of driving we do.

Electric Car

Reasons to cut back on driving

Why is it a good idea to drive as little as possible?

• Gasoline emits pollution, which is bad news for us and for the environment. By reducing the amount of driving you do, you are also reducing air pollution, which could help slow down climate change and disease.
• Gasoline costs money, and every time you drive somewhere, you are burning money - literally. By cutting back on your driving, you will have to spend less money on refilling the tank.
• The less you drive, the less you have to spend on automobile maintenance. And if you don't have a car at all, you will have no maintenance fees whatsoever. Of course, it's not always feasible to completely do away with our cars, which may be our main method of transportation, whether we like it or not....

Ways to go green by driving less

Find an alternative to driving anytime you can, and you will not only save money on gas, but you will be taking a step toward saving the environment from a little more pollution.

1. Walk whenever possible. Not only is it green, but this light form of exercise is healthier than you might realize.
2. Ride your bike. Again, this is a healthy way to go green.
3. Take public transportation. Multiple people riding in one vehicle is an efficient way to travel.
4. Carpool when possible. Again, even riding in a car with one other person is beneficial to everyone.
5. Telecommute. Can you do your work from home? You won't have to travel at all this way.
6. Consider an electric car. They are starting to become more and more popular.

Skateboard, roller skate, ride an electric scooter...what are some more ways you can cut back on the amount of driving you do?

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Alan Trotter

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Your challenge: This week, try to cut back on your driving whenever you can with one or more of the above ideas.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**