In today's world, you're not likely to want to give up your car all together. But limiting the need for your gas-guzzler is certainly in the best interest of your pocketbook and our planet.
Considering the ever-rising gas prices and the toll our personal vehicles take on the environment, it's about time we started looking at alternative options to driving absolutely everywhere. Take a look at these alternative options to determine which alternative works for you.
1. Take a Walk
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Walking may seem like the obvious alternative to driving, but it's one that isn't enacted very often. The biggest burden to walking, though, isn't money or energy - it's time.
Walking to the local grocery store or a friend's house may seem too far in today's fast-paced world, but if you learn to make the time, and consider the added benefits of walking, you may just change your mind about this alternative method of transportation.
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2. Scoot It
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When it comes to scooters, you have more options than you may think. Models range from stand-up to sit-down designs, inexpensive or costly, and even fast or faster. So whether you're looking for a motorized way to aid your walking, or an eco-friendly vehicle that resembles a motorcycle, a scooter might be the greener option you've been waiting for.
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3. Ride a Bicycle
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Whether you're more traditional, or you're all for the latest green technology, bicycling could be the greener transportation you're looking for.
You've been pedaling around since the age of eight, but with the rising concern of increased carbon offsets associated with cars (not to mention the ever-rising cost of crude oil) bicycle manufacturers are catering to an entirely new crowd with electric bicycles. You used to have to be in good - even great - shape to ride for miles, but the electric alternative certainly makes it a bit easier to go further.
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4. Golf Carts on the Go
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You may think that golf carts belong on the golf course, but more and more companies and communities are finding uses for these miniature movers. Just make sure to stay on local roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, because golf carts and the like can't move much faster than 30 mph.
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5. Public Transportation
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How could we forget public transport? Using public transportation services like busses, the subway, or even trains doesn't cut the cost of gas or oil, but by dividing the use and cost between so many passengers, you'll be saving money and cutting carbon emissions.
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6. Get Smart With Your Car
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If you're not willing to trade in your car at least some of the time, you've got no excuse to let that gas guzzler produce more emissions than it needs to. Make sure to keep your car maintained for maximum efficiency, and pick out a fuel-efficient model to do your part.
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