Filed Under : by Footprint Minimizer
Friday, April 30, 2010
In the month of April I drove my vehicular device only a few short miles, 40 to be exact. My gas tank was filled nearly four weeks ago and the needle still resides on full marker.
This is an extreme adjustment after having to fill my gas tank bi-weekly in the first months of the year. Understandably, extreme adjustments are simply not possible for everybody but walking anywhere is a good place to start.
Here is a good principle to follow: If your radiator’s temperature gauge does not fully settle between the hot and cold marker by the time you have reached you destination, walking would probably have been a better option.
WALKING is simply a synonym for getting outside and smelling fresh air; by all means explore other options as there are many available to you.
Here is a good principle to follow: If your radiator’s temperature gauge does not fully settle between the hot and cold marker by the time you have reached you destination, walking would probably have been a better option.
WALKING is simply a synonym for getting outside and smelling fresh air; by all means explore other options as there are many available to you.
PROS: Fresh air, exposure to the elements, exercise, less money spent on ever depleting fossil fuels, less vehicle maintenance, becoming aware of your surroundings and precious time to think.
There is nothing worse than starting your car in the morning and having the smell of fresh exhaust seep in through the cracks; walking will eliminate this issue altogether.
CONS: Time consuming, poor weather
Today’s FUN FACT:
In addition to carbon dioxide, automobiles produce methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from the tailpipe, as well as HFC emissions from leaking air conditioners. On average, CH4, N2O, and HFC emissions represent roughly 5 - 6 percent of the GHG emissions from passenger vehicles, while CO2 emissions account for 94-95 percent, accounting for the global warming potential of each greenhouse gas.
1 comment:
Since I'm lucky enough to live within 2 miles of work, I walk as much as possible. Many beautiful things have happened for me on these walks, that are hard to articulate. The most important gift I've received from walking instead of driving or even biking is an awareness of my surroundings and an ear to my own thoughts.
I've decided that wherever I work, I want to be able to walk to work. I never want to commute again. I don't own a home so the odds are, that I will always have the ability to get a home close to my job.
It does raise important questions.
1: Why are our towns and cities so big?
2: Why is "owning" a home important?
3: Is it our short lifespans that creates the urge/need to rush around?
4: Are our senses becoming duller? (no longer needing them to hunt, gather, survive) If your day consists of Home, Vehicle, and misc other buildings, couldn't it be said that your awareness and senses would start to dull or become focused on those environments?
Anyhow, these are some thoughts I've had that I struggle with everyday.
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