• Saving Money and the Environment

  Filed under Finances, Money Saving Tips
  Apr 30

  In our commute-driven society, it is hard to imagine cars ever not existing. We are trained to think of driving as an integral part of our everyday lives. Getting a license at age 16 has become a rite of passage, giving teenagers a sense of freedom and adulthood. But how much does this take a toll on our society?  Here are some quick reminders that should help out.

  First off, what happened to carpooling? Are we too self-interested to take an extra ten minutes to pick up a friend? I am always amazed when driving on the highway at the emptiness of the Carpool lane. Obviously carpooling is not always a viable option but we should at least make sure it IS an option. The practice has become obsolete in our minds, to where we don’t even consider it. Carpooling saves money as well as resources.

  Second of all, do we not have legs anymore? The idea of walking to work or school seems ridiculous in most minds; cars are much quicker and easier. I’d say a good compromise would be a bike. I recently read an article about how Portland is the most bike-friendly city in the Nation. They painted ‘bike boxes’ onto intersections so that bikers would have a safer way to commute to work. It is this type of attention to a need that we would all do well to imitate. Biking is beneficial to us financially, not to mention they save resources and promote health. If only we could all follow Portland’s example and create a demand for a safer, more affordable, and healthier way to commute.

  So next time you jump in your car to go see your neighbors, take a step back. Even though gas prices are down, it doesn’t mean we should stop trying to conserve. Do your part to save money, the environment and promote health.

  Tagged as: Environment, Healthy Living, personal finance
  
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