Monday Mitzvah: Take the Road Less Traveled

“Now I used to think that I was cool
Running around on fossil fuel
Until I saw what I was doin’
Was driving down the road to ruin.”

From the song ‘Traffic Jam’ by James Taylor

I drove too much this weekend. I took about 8 separate trips to run errands that could have been consolidated into one had I done a little planning. Not to mention a glorious drive to the beach at Half Moon Bay. I don’t feel guilty about the trip to Half Moon Bay because it brought so much pleasure to my family. However, I do feel guilty about the 8 trips to the store.

For this week’s Monday Mitzvah let’s work on taking the road less traveled and drive less. With the price of gas these days this good deed not only helps the world but also our wallets. We all know we should drive less but how many of us really do. Driving is somewhat of an addiction. It is easy, fun and makes us feel powerful.  Riding a bike to the store just doesn’t have the same kind of thrill.

To help you deal with automobile withdrawal is an organization called Autoholics Anonymous.  They offer support to “recovering autoholics to guide you on your path to finding your two feet again.”  I need this program! I could easily walk to the store if I planned properly.  I know “there is a power greater than me” that can help me get over my car addiction. However, I need to start with baby steps.

Autoholics Anonymous offers a 12 Step program to help you deal with your car addiction. I have 5 simple suggestions to help us get started:

1. Consolidate Car Trips: Plan out your weekly errands and do them all in one or two trips.
2. Coordinate a Carpool: Find a friend in the neighborhood who has the same errands and double up. It will be more fun and you will save time and money.
3. Bust out the Bike: Dust off your bike, throw on a backpack and pedal your way to a neighborhood market for your supplies. It is good for the environment and good for your soul
4. Go for a Goal: It is hard to achieve objectives without having a goal. For example, only allow yourself to fill up your gas tank twice a month. If that is your goal, you will think twice about taking all those extra trips to the store.
5. Forget the Freeway; Take the Information Highway: The internet is one of our best tools for helping the environment. You can avoid many trips to the mall and the store by shopping online. Negotiate an arrangement with your work to telecommute one day a week. Hold meetings via conference call or web instead of in person.

What techniques have you used to cut down the amount you drive?