Living without a car is impossible, isn’t it? Or is it? More and more people are choosing to ditch the gas- (and cash-) hungry machines and find alternative ways to travel. Whatever their reasons, this is a step in the right direction as far as the environment is concerned. Travel is one of the main contributors to your carbon footprint, but you can reduce your impact by handing over your keys.
Two Wheels Good, Four Wheels Bad
Instead of thinking about losing something, it helps to think about what you’ll be gaining. For example, living without a car has many benefits.
Protecting the environment has never been more urgent. And as mentioned, when it comes to your carbon footprint. So the planet will be very grateful if you drive less. But there’s more to it: when you choose to ditch your car, you opt for an entirely different lifestyle. One of the changes will be selecting local businesses rather than commercial supermarkets. That too leads to better choices for the planet, your produce will travel less, and you’ll support smaller companies and be presented with healthier and more seasonal options.
In addition to protecting the environment, you can save lots of money! The cost of maintaining a car is high, and so by ditching your four wheels, you can make room for something more meaningful in your life.
No car means more moving. Most people, who own a car, rely on it way more than they actually need to. The minute the vehicle is out of the equation, you’ll walk those short 20-minute distances, maybe even investing in a bike and cycling to work. Most of us spend our days sitting at a desk, so adding movement is crucial for our health and well-being.
Top Tips for Living Without a Car
There are many simple and affordable ways to help you live without a car. It may require a bit of planning and shift around for some people, but once you adopt a habit that works for you, you’ll reap all the benefits too!
- Go local: this will be the first thing you’ll need to do. Choose a market, gym, yoga studio, and hairdresser nearby. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbours, support local and smaller businesses, and minimize distances.
- This is tough for homeowners, but if you’re renting and constantly on the move, choose more central locations for your next home. Or maybe, try to stay close to your work.
- Take advantage of public transport. Take along a book and use your commutes to get some reading done. Time flies when you have some good literature.
- Buy a bike: a great way to exercise and keep your carbon footprint and costs down.
- Walk when you can! It’s recommended that we each walk 10,000 steps a day. We’re meant to be moving – it’s good for our mental and physical health. So get out, move your body, and get some oxygen.
- Carpool: if there’s no other way of getting to work from your home that makes sense, then try carpooling. Plan it with a co-worker or a friend who lives and works near you, and take advantage of a travel buddy. This way, the carbon footprint and costs will be halved.
There you have it. Living without a car doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. There are many ways to take advantage and alter your lifestyle to benefit you, your pocket and the planet. Got any more tips for us? Be sure to comment below.
