Bike-to-Work Week: How Green are We, Really?
by An honest look at how the average citizen participates in the conservation of our blue planet.
Stopped on the 55N at 8:02 am, a few hummers pass by me, followed by an array of SUVs and jacked up F-250s. Occasionally, I notice the small Prius in the carpool lane, also in a standstill. NPR (National Public Radio) informs me of the bike-to-work day (http://biketoworkweek.org) in Los Angeles County today. “What a brilliant idea”, I silently said to myself, encouraging any organized effort to better the fate of our blue planet. And then, I thought of my disabled bike in the shed… What good does it do to have all these green organizations out there if, individually, we are at a standstill, like the Prius in the carpool lane?
Most of the resistance comes with the fact that I often found myself stuck with the alternatives given by the “greens” (green movements and authorities). “Change your appliances for Energy Star appliances to save money in the long run and protect the environment!” Really? Excuse me, Neighbor, do you have money to buy a 1,198$ washing machine this year? Yeah… Me neither! Most of us are in the same boat, especially this year.
To be fair, there are a number of great options out there that can transform your average fellow citizen into a respectable eco-friendly neighbor. All it takes from us, regular people, is a simple commitment to choose the alternatives that soothe our life, and stick with it. Easier said than done! Just as you don’t stop coffee, smoking and drinking at the same time on January 1st, try not to overwhelm yourself with a 180 degree shift in your daily routine. Start with two ideas the first month, and see how it goes. Here are some options that are practical, simple and accessible.
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Choose the bike for errands within a mile radius
D epending where you live, biking to work might be out of the question. In California, where everything is spread for miles and miles, freeways are usually inevitable. However, the bank, the grocery store, the post office, the frozen yogurt counter and the town’s diner may be closer to you. If it’s within a mile or so, why not take your bike? I know what you’re going to say (especially if you live in California): “I don’t have time to take the bike!” I’ve used that one myself quite often. What it really means is that we don’t have time to preserve our planet. Think about it! Commit to it. All it takes is a subtle shift in your routine and your amazing organization skills. Combining trips is a simple way to make this happen. For example, if you need to go to the bank on Tuesday, but usually mail your bills on Wednesday, combine both car trips into one bike ride on Wednesday. And guess what? You’re also getting exercise and gas savings out of it!
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Post Commentladybaby
On May 16, 2009 at 5:06 am
It starts one thing at a time. Talking about it helps to keep it in our minds. One little sacrifice at a time will multiply. If we all would do our little bit, it would make a big difference. Good article.