It’s Memorial Day weekend - the perfect time to get your bikes out of the shed and put your snow-boots in the attic. What better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than to toss your car keys into your mittens and say goodbye to your car for a few months? Reducing our use of automobiles is one of the most powerful actions we can take to alleviate local and global environmental problems. According to a comprehensive study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, driving cars causes more damage to the environment - in terms of air and water pollution, global warming, and habitat alteration - than any other consumer behavior. So put on your walking shoes and try a few of these suggestions to get your body moving:
- Do an experiment and walk or bike somewhere you have not considered walking or biking to before: a friend’s house, a store, a doctor’s office, or a restaurant, for example. Or, make a commitment to bike or walk whenever the distance you are traveling is less than one or two miles.
- Attach a rack, baskets, or pannier bags to your bicycle. Removing the weight from your back will make biking much more comfortable and you won’t be as sweaty when you arrive at your destination!
- Find a bike buddy in your neighborhood–someone to commute with or go out with. You can support each other in your new habits.
- Make an incentive for yourself: For example, if you live downtown and ride all the way to West Towne Mall, reward yourself with dinner at your favorite restaurant on the way back.
For more information and ideas on how to reduce the use of your car, visit www.enactwi.org. Check back here weekly for new tips from EnAct to help you step more lightly on the environment. EnAct, a program of Madison Environmental Group, Inc., encourages sustainable living and strengthens communities by creating Environmental Action Teams in neighborhoods, community organizations and workplaces. If you are interested in starting your own EnAct team, please contact us at enact@madisonenvironmental.com or (608) 204-2888.