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How to Reduce Your Dependence on a Car

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With concern for the environment becoming paramount in many people's lives, finding new ways to become eco-friendly is a goal for many families. If you have decided to live green, consider decreasing your share of fuel emissions. There are a number of ways in which you can reduce your dependence on a car, but they do require a willingness to make some changes to your way of daily living.


  1. 1
    Reevaluate your usual driving habits and see if there are places that you can travel to without the use of your car. Make a list of those places that are within 5 miles (8.0 km) of your home and decide what other modes of transportation you could utilize.
  2. 2
    Call friends and family and determine whether you can make carpool arrangements for some destinations. Maybe you can arrange grocery trips, church, and family gatherings together. Decreasing vehicle dependence can be a team effort.
  3. 3
    Consider downsizing from a 2 car family to 1. This can only be possible if 1 person uses another mode of transport to get to work or do errands. Alternatively, 1 person can drive the other to work before heading out to their work or errands, and then pick the other person up at the end of the day. If you are serious about reducing your automobile dependence, then you will find ways to make it work.
  4. 4
    Opt for public travel. It's not always fun taking the bus or the underground, but if you are passionate about eco-friendly travel, then you will happily deal with the sometimes inconvenient public transportation service.
  5. 5
    Bike to destinations close to home and kill 2 birds with 1 stone by decreasing car reliance and getting in a great workout. If the weather, terrain, and journey allow it, then get a bike and ride to your destinations. You might want to drive the route first to make sure that it is cycle friendly and not hazardous. Additionally, cycling comes with its own rules of the road, so learn the protocol before heading out.
  6. 6
    Walk whenever possible to reduce fuel emissions. You may be surprised at how often you drive to locations that can be easily traveled to on foot. Even shopping excursions are possible if the distance is bearable and you have a cart or wagon that can hold your groceries.
  7. 7
    Invest in a motorcycle for longer distances. A motorcycle or scooter uses less gas and if the weather permits, it could be a great alternative to a car.

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  • If the grocery store is too far to walk to, call a few that are the nearest to you and ask if they deliver. You may be able to email or call in a list and have them deliver. This additional service may cost more, but weigh that cost against the cost of saving the environment, added to the cost of gas, and decide if it is worth it.

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Categories: Cars

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Español: reducir tu dependencia de un auto


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