Today is the big day, I'm selling my car! It has been almost a year since I decided that owning a car was no longer for me. The past year has been all about planning for my transportation needs and assessing whether going car-less was possible or not.
The conclusion is that it is possible indeed. Without a car my transportation needs will be met by a variety of choices. For travel to and from work I use the bus, to and from meetings for work I use Zipcar and quick errands or short trips around town I will have a scooter. In addition to purchasing a scooter I intend to buy a bicycle. Walking is always an option and getting rides with friends isn't out of the question either. For special weekends when I have friends visiting from out of town we will simply rent a car and share the cost. My savings start at about $750 per month and grow along with gas prices.
This morning I told our secretary that I will not have a car as of today and she was just puzzled. She said "I don't know how you can go without a car in southern California." I admit it is a bit of a stretch for most people but I want this to be a statement of my committment to living sustainably.
There are so many exciting things going on right now that give me great hope for the future. Young people and progressives all over the country are uniting to challenge the way this country is run. Gas prices are at an all time high which is growing transit ridership among those people who would generally not consider using it. The California High Speed Rail is on the ballot for November and its political momentum seems to be gaining. There is a green revolution of sorts taking place with broad public awareness of organic food, locally purchased goods, green buildings, energy conservation, natural products and the list goes on and on. I think we need a celebration here and how appropriate that tomorrow is Independence day... I will be celebrating my independence from big oil and the auto industry. Yay!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
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