Going Green Blog
The thoughts and experiences of one woman trying to live and ethical and eco-friendly life.
Entry #11: Life without a car!
For the last six months I have been thinking about, and talking about, getting rid of my car. The car has been on its last legs (or should that be wheels) for a few months now and I have begun to feel it is really not necessary to my way of life. Last week the catch on the boot broke. Now is the time I said to myself. So I have completed my first week without a car.
I live in a town so can walk to most places and the exercise will certainly do me good. There are two train stations, and I can get, in time, to just about anywhere. The bus services are not plentiful but I will learn to make the most of them. Bicycle? well its been a few years but considering I used to cycle to work in London when in my twenties, I ought to be able to consider a bicycle again now.
I accept I will hire a car - the last train from Nottingham to Newark leaves at 9.20 making an evening out in Nottingham impossible by train. I tried the Liftshare site recently but so far with little success.
I am already used to walking when the distance is not far but have always had the option of the car to save time - or my feet. That taken away will be frustrating. Walking in the cold and rain will be obligatory sometimes. My teenage children will no doubt also complain but no longer will there be arguments or pleading about a lift to go just a mile.
This week I have hired a car - a Ford KA - for one evening and I have definitely walked further than I am used to - partly because the car hire place is about a mile away! I regularly walk to the station and get the train to Nottingham and this week has been no different - apart from a cancelled train and an overcrowded one. There will be inconveniences but there are also more opportunities to meet people - chatting to people on trains you never know who you might meet! Walking around town will burn calories and may result in chance meetings with friends. And most of all whenever I take a step further to recycle, reuse, save energy and help to the save the planet - it feels better!