It is seldom that I venture out of my warm and soft cocoon to address serious issues.

Here goes: Why don't people react to the terrible problems with car emissions? We desperately need a good, nationwide, mass transit system from the suburbs to metropolitan areas.

Why don't more people that work the same hours in the same general area, car pool and keep some of the cars off the streets.

If it is within walking distance why not walk or bike. You would be killing too birds with one stone...exercise and transportation.

The carbon dioxide we emit could be seriously cut down and highways would get less wear. Gas prices would not be such a severe problem if you only drove to work once a week.

I know that I am spoiled too. We are trying to cut down on
trips and consolidate our puchases and business. Today is the day to try to help combat the greenhouse effect. Go a little bit greener!

Comments:

In cities where everything is close I think that's a great idea. But for us folks that live out in the boonies it gets a little harder. I drive 88 miles to and from work every day. There isn't any buses or train in this area. One good thing here in TN, is if you are a State Employee working for the State (In Nashville)...they provide a van service to come and pick you up and take you to work. That helps some.

You are fortunate to live so close to work. They say gas will be even higher when Memorial Day arrives. We have become so dependent on cars. I bet there is no such thing as a joy ride anymore.

$3.65 for a gallon of gasoline hasn't changed a thing. "Somebody should do something about it." "But I'm not going to change my way of life." Steve was right.

comment by solitaire on Apr 23, 2008 4:58 PM ()

3.65 a gallon? It is a mere 3.40 here.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:29 AM ()

This is one of the reasons that I live within a mile of where I worked. I used to grocery shop every day. Now, I do it once every 7-10 days. I buy a LOT on those trips. I can make a tank of gas last a month. But, there are some people who depend on driving as part of their jobs... I don't know how they are making out. In California it's hard to live without driving a lot... which says a lot about California.

comment by sunlight on Apr 23, 2008 3:09 PM ()

I just saw a teeny car that uses practically no gas... the problem would be.. where would you put your groceries?

reply by sunlight on Apr 25, 2008 4:02 AM ()

Bravo to the sweetheart that makes a tank last a month. We are like Angie. We live too far from the metropolitan area to make a tank last long but we are certainly cutting down.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:37 AM ()

I have walked for more than 19 years here. If I needed to get some place far3-4 miles, we have a bus you can call and it'll pick you up at your home, $1.50 one way trip!
Coming from Chicago, I only started driving at 27, only because the snow storms that year were so bad and the mile home in the middle of the street at night was hard to do.
I LOVE WALKING! One car family!
I think I was green all my life.
The old saying used to be "Waste Not Want Not" guess I took that as Truth!
thanks for this post!!

comment by anacoana on Apr 22, 2008 4:06 PM ()

I am glad you are living green! You are fortunate to have access to a bus.
We are twenty miles from the nearest town of any size, but we are trying to consolidate trips.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:42 AM ()

comment by looserobes on Apr 22, 2008 3:04 PM ()

I used to carpool when I was a poverty stricken single mom. It can actually be fun if you choose the right people to share the ride with.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:46 AM ()

When you live in a rural area and have to drive to the dr, dentist, work, stores, it is very difficult to conserve or carpool. I try to consolidate chores or appointments so that I will not have to make extra trips. Since retiring, I drive much less.

comment by angiedw on Apr 22, 2008 2:57 PM ()

We are in the same situation and we do the best we can to conserve gas.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:48 AM ()

My contribution to the environment is not supporting factory farms. They are the worst environmental offenders!

http://farmsanctuary.org/issues/factoryfarming/environment/

comment by kristilyn3 on Apr 22, 2008 1:29 PM ()

I could quite easily give up beef, but it would be hard to relinquish cheese and milk. The factory farms are outrageous and hog farms are the worst. I live in fear of someone starting one close to us.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 4:52 AM ()

I'm not driving today....or tomorrow...or the next day....

comment by nittineedles on Apr 22, 2008 12:54 PM ()

I enjoy being home too. I can't knit but I can always find something that needs doing here.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 5:02 AM ()

I do have a car. I just consolidate my shopping trips so I only drive once or twice a week.

reply by nittineedles on Apr 22, 2008 12:56 PM ()

Good stuff,and this guy been green for some time.
Doing my best to let this happen.
They have to get serious about all off this.
Very nice to hear from you.
How are you doing there?

comment by fredo on Apr 22, 2008 12:47 PM ()

Now, if we would all give up plastic sacks and water bottles that would help. I am fine and working in the yard every day so I haven't had much computer time. Fredo, you are a sweet sweet man.

reply by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 5:06 AM ()