I came across a really great posting by John Scull entitled "Have a Carfree Day." In this article, Mr. Scull challenges his family and friends to go a day without driving. After reading this interesting piece, I wondered... Could America go a day without driving?
For almost a year now we have witnessed extraordinarily high fuel prices (well, high for the U.S.). While prices seemed to fall slightly last December, it is now obvious that $3.00+ gas is here to stay. Why? Well according to President Bush, we are "addicted to oil." According to the media and our policy leaders...
- Oil companies are making too much profit.
- We should drill for more oil off the coast or in Alaska.
- It's the darn SUV's we need more hybrids.
What we have not been asked to do is sacrifice. Where are the pleas to conserve, turn down the air conditioning, take cooler showers, carpool, etc? Sure many are doing these things on their own or to save a buck or two, but there has not been a cry from above.
So, in the spirit of Mr. Scull's challenge, what about it America can you go a day without driving?
We propose that our leaders declare, and then back it up with "headlines" and advertising, that specific days (or even one day a month) as a day without driving. Ask every American to leave their car in the driveway and do stuff around the house, walk to a store, ride a bicycle to the neighbors, or take public transportation to an event.
If we were given enough notice and encouragement, a family could make preparations to stay home, or do things near home. Ballgames could be rescheduled, public transportation could be enhanced. Other than emergencies, there really are no plausible excuses.
OK, so what day to choose? We could start with the 4th of July? Better yet, how about the second Saturday of every month.
So June 10th; July 8th; August 12th; September 9th... Make it "A Day Without Driving."
Originally submitted on December 28, 2006.
I try to plan one such day every week. On occassion, I can arrange it twice a week. All it takes is a little planning and a conscious desire to make it happen: Do you REALLY need to run to the grocery store for that yogurt??? Can you get the screws to fix the hinge tomorrow and work on something else today? It actually can happen.
I really think every one should try a day without driving. If you really want to try something radical, try the day without driving AND tv. Imagine having a carefully prepared dinner with the whole family, then spending time together afterwards playing cards or board games… or just visiting. A whole lot more than the environment can be improved!