Drive Less

Okay, this is an obvious one. It's getting a lot of attention these days. We've heard the statistics, with a variety of figures and percentages, but the point remains the same: the number of cars worldwide will roughly double by 2030. Anyone who has spent any time in a traffic jam on a freeway, or in smoggy city streets in summertime, will agree that there just simply isn't space for all those cars. Cleaner fuel and alternative energy sources are all well and good but the simple truth is that we need to use our cars less.

Many readers will feel like this is old news. More and more of you are selling your car, or never buying one in the first place, or leaving the car in the driveway and walking to work each day. Good for you your planet and your body are grateful. But for every one of you there are hundreds, even thousands of people who continue to rely on their cars, denying obstinately the significance of their actions, and refusing to abandon a lifestyle they believe they can't change.

To you and you know who you are this green tip is for you. This week, take a huge step in the right direction: drive less. Challenge yourself. Make it a priority. The results will be extremely rewarding ... and just think of all the money you'll save on gas. Above all, stop looking for excuses to take the car.

Here are some quick and easy ways to make a big change to your routine:

If it's nearby, walk. Don't drive to the corner store. Don't drive to the gym. Walk or bike to work a couple of times a week. In most cities, you can probably get by without a car or using it once or twice a week at most.

Take public transit. It's cheaper, greener, and in many cases faster than driving. Get over the stigma, and take the bus. Many governments now offer tax rebates on monthly passes.

Carpool. When you are driving somewhere, rideshare.

Foster these ideals in your children,and expect the same from them. If they want a ride to the mall, to baseball practice, to school, help them find a greener way to get there. They may not make it easy on you, but you're planting a seed for a future generation of people who aren't as dependent on their cars as you are on yours.

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