What’s involved?
My action:
In August 2005 I set myself the challenge of not driving to work AT ALL!
Although I had been wanting to make this change for awhile the fact that I had recently moved closer to a station and that I had pledged my action to the ActNow think tank really helped me stay dedicated to the action.
I feel really passionate about the issue of sustainablity and it felt good to be making a positive effort on this issue.
The perks:
It is great getting more exercise to and from the station and feeling more relaxed not having to trudge through the traffic at peak hour! I get to read, snooze, chat to strangers, listen to music on the train. Above all that I went from using the car 5-6 days a week to using it once or twice a week which I think is a massive improvement!
The challenges:
When I had things to do after work it is not always practical (timewise) to use public transport. Initially, while I was getting used to getting organised around the train timetable it took alot longer to get home so that was really hard. I decided, however that it was better to not put so much pressure on myself and use the car when I really needed to and this meant that I still felt good about the action without feeling pressure or guilt!
My two cents!
Public transport takes a bit more effort and organisation and it can be hard to see the results but at a personal level it is rewarding and such an important issue.
Its the collective effort that is the key: if everyone gets out of their car and uses public transport one day a week that would be a big step towards our sustainable future!
Why should people do this?
I want to do this!
