Would You Be Able to Give up Your Car?

You are aware that in order to reduce your carbon footprint, giving up your car would be a big step. However the thought of actually doing it fills you with fear. Do you have what it takes to join an ever-growing group who are giving up their automobiles?

Our human civilization (I use the term loosely) is emmitting carbon dioxide at rates which don't seem to be getting any smaller. It seems that no matter how our leaders try to combat the problem, the levels of CO2 continue to rise unabated.

The automobile is a major contributor where greenhouse gas is concerned. If we could find a way to live without our cars we would be achieving a massive reduction in our carbon footprint. Do you see this as a realistic possibility in your life?

We are not really talking about people who live in the country because with the way our infrastructure is currently setup there are very few alternatives for countryfolk. When the nearest shop is 10 miles away it is not a practical option to walk or even cycle.

The journey would take you half the day even on a bicycle. Not to mention the fact that by the time you return you'd probably be completely shattered from your bike ride and be unable to do anything else for the rest of the day but sit on the sofa massaging your aching muscles.

This particular lifestyle change applies more to those who live in the city. Almost without exception your amenities are much closer in the city. Alternatives to the automobile are in abundance in the city and it is the urban dwellers who should be considering at least reducing the amount they use their cars.

Many people are horrified at the mere thought of having to give up their car. However various studies have proven that it is a lot easier than one may think. You can get your shopping delivered, you can take your bicycle to work and you can walk a lot more than you currently do.

By doing this you will be reducing your carbon footprint by as much as 30 to 40 percent. To say nothing of the fact that the physical activity will keep you much fitter. That in turn is likely to make you feel much happier. But this is just a side effect.

There are those who argue that getting groceries delivered is not a green thing to do because you're still using fossil fuels. Whilst this is strictly true, getting groceries delivered will actually reduce your personal carbon footprint.

How can this be? Well the fact that one vehicle can deliver to many different properties means that all those single journeys which would have been made are eliminated. This has the overall effect of reducing your carbon emissions.

There are many more ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint but giving up your car is a big one. It's time we considered alternatives to the automobile. Get yourself a bicycle. Walk to the corner shop. If you can, walk the kids to school. You'll soon be making a big difference to our environment.

Go on, give up your car ... you may just be surprised at how easy it is!

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Riley was hired to write this article in order to promote Cass's page about eco friendly gifts which is a great read for the environmentally conscious shopper.