| The negative affects of driving, on the | | | | Join a car sharing co-operative |
| environment and on our wallets, has become | | | | Instead of owning a car, why not share one? Car |
| common knowledge. There are, however, many | | | | sharing co-operatives, such as Zipcar, allow you to |
| viable alternative means of transportation. | | | | rent a car for a very reasonable fee. Rental times |
| Additionally, if driving your car is unavoidable, there | | | | are very flexible and affordable: only pay for a |
| are ways to alleviate some damage. There's a lot | | | | half hour if that's all you need. Plus these cars are |
| you can do; here are just a few | | | | parked at many reachable locations. Enjoy the |
| recommendations. | | | | convenience of having a car without actually |
| Take the bus | | | | having one. Perhaps you only need use of a |
| This one's certainly more obvious. Taking the bus | | | | vehicle on rare occasions-say, to pick up furniture. |
| is a lot cheaper than driving. Bus passes are | | | | You'll even have the choice of renting a larger |
| relatively inexpensive, and you'll save on gas and | | | | vehicle, such as a van. |
| parking as well. And when traffic's bad, or when | | | | Keep your tires well inflated |
| parking spots are rare, the bus can also be more | | | | This one's simple and free. If you have a vehicle, |
| convenient. Taking the bus, however, may be | | | | check its tires regularly at a gas station or auto |
| more difficult in smaller towns and cities, where | | | | shop. Once per week is ideal. Maintaining proper |
| busses run infrequently or not at all. Luckily, your | | | | tire inflation for your car will improve gas mileage. |
| options aren't limited to just the bus; for example, | | | | Drive a hybrid |
| you can... | | | | Not everyone can afford a hybrid, but if you can, |
| Ride a bike | | | | consider the advantages. You'll save a lot on gas, |
| Bike riding is a great way to travel that can be a | | | | which adds up over the years. By combining an |
| lot of fun. It's good exercise to boot. It's a | | | | electrical motor with a gas-powered engine, hybrid |
| pleasurable alternative to driving or taking a bus, | | | | cars get better mileage and produce lower |
| and perhaps cheaper, too. | | | | emissions. It's much better for the environment, |
| Walk | | | | and the cheaper gas bills will eventually |
| If you're not too far from your destination, why | | | | compensate for the extra cost of buying a hybrid |
| not walk there? This truly is the cheapest, safest | | | | over a gas-powered vehicle. Also, depending on |
| and healthiest way to travel. It can also be one of | | | | where you live, many governments offer tax |
| the most pleasant. The next time the weather's | | | | incentives for owning a hybrid. |
| to your liking, go for a walk. | | | | Before you leave the house... |
| Carpool | | | | Ask yourself: do I need to take the car? |
| If taking the car is unavoidable, consider carpooling | | | | Constantly question different ways you might be |
| with some friends or coworkers. You'll save a lot | | | | able to reach your destination. Figure out your |
| of money by splitting the gas costs. And hey, | | | | options, and mix it up accordingly. Taking a |
| you're going to the same place anyway - might | | | | moment to ponder might be the most important |
| as well make it a merrier ride and go together! | | | | step of all. |