I take a lot of heat for rarely driving. "You'll get over it," people say. "You have to drive," others say. "It's our culture."
When I was in Alaska to write two articles, I was offered a car, which I didn't take. Walking and public transportation all the way. Riding in individual cars doesn't have to continue as normal in our culture. Scientists say it shouldn't. (Even so-called clean cars take greenhouse gases to make and probably dispose of) So consider what changes you will make in light of climate change and lightening the load on our congested roadways.
Going carless is generally safer, cheaper, and less stressful - assuming you're not stuck waiting too long in bad weather. In Los Angeles that would be hot weather, the hottest temps in history. I bought a sun umbrella for walking to and waiting at bus stops. Taking buses is often relaxing. Bring a book. I have a friend who practices guitar on his hour long daily bus rides. As a result, he is way ahead of others in his guitar class, learning techniques.
A U.N. panel on climate change released a press release today, saying we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero in this century or we may face dangerous and irreversible impacts throughout the world.
Meanwhile, I get by walking and public transportation with the occasional carpooling and yes driving when there's no other way.
