How we get there

There are a number of ways that we can encourage situations that make it easier to drive less, but ultimately it's up to you. Click on the Do Things tab to learn more about how to drive less, connect with those working to do the same thing, and begin making real changes in your life.

Things That Make Life Easier

There are a number of programs and policies on government, community, and workplace levels that would make it easier or more advantageous for people to drive less.

Government

• Tax carbon to make driving more expensive (See the Cap Carbon section)
• Design new cities and redesign existing ones to support public transport systems, bike lanes, and sidewalks
• Regulations that encourage carpooling such as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes

Community

• Promote community education programs
• Institute car shares for those who only need occasional car access
• Car shares are great programs in which a company owns a number of cars and members can use them only as needed for a small monthly and usage fee. These end up being lower cost than owning a car in most cases and also allow members to live a car-less lifestyle most of their lives while having access to a vehicle when they need one.
• Support bike-to-work days
• Encourage bike racks at popular destinations

Workplace

• Make showers available for walkers and bikers
• Install bike racks
• Subsidize public transit passes
• Charge for parking

It's Up to You

Ultimately, the decision on how much you drive is entirely up to you. Before you get into your car, think if the trip is really necessary or if it could be consolidated with other trips later on. Debate whether you really need to drive or if you can walk or bike. When going out in large groups, how many cars do you really need to take? Rethink your commute, do you have to drive the whole way by yourself or can you walk, bike, take public transport, or carpool? Use resources such as this one to find public transportation resources in your community. Make it a goal of yours to go as long between trips to the gas station as possible. Not only will it reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also save you money. This is one of the biggest things you can do in your day to day life to minimize your negative impact on the world. Get changing.