Alright, so today I wanted to yap about something I’ve been messing with lately: eco-friendly transportation. I’m no tree-hugging fanatic, but I figured, hey, might as well try to be a little less of a jerk to the planet, right?
It all started a couple of months ago when my car’s gas mileage decided to take a nosedive. Seriously, it was like every trip to the grocery store cost me a small fortune. So, I started brainstorming. My first thought was, “Screw it, I’ll just work from home forever!” But, uh, that’s not exactly realistic. So, I actually started doing some digging.
First up: The trusty bicycle. I hadn’t really ridden a bike since I was a kid, and let me tell you, my butt was NOT happy about it. But I live relatively close to work, and the route is mostly flat, so I figured I’d give it a shot. I started slow, just riding to the park on weekends. Then, I tried biking to the grocery store. Next thing I knew, I was biking to work a couple of days a week. It sucked at first, ngl. I was sweating like a pig and my legs were screaming, but after a week or two, it got way easier. Plus, I’m saving on gas and getting some exercise, which is a win-win. I did have to invest in some decent rain gear, because surprise, surprise, it rains sometimes. And a good bike lock, because I’m not trying to get my ride stolen.
Next: The Electric Scooter. I saw a few people zipping around on these things and thought they looked kinda fun. After doing some research, I bought one second-hand on Facebook Marketplace – got a killer deal. This thing is a game-changer for short trips. Need to grab a coffee? Scooter. Pop over to a friend’s house? Scooter. It’s just super convenient and surprisingly zippy. The battery life is decent, and it folds up easily, so I can store it in my apartment without taking up a ton of space. Plus, it’s cheap as hell to charge. Biggest downside? Hills. This thing HATES hills. I end up walking it uphill sometimes, which kinda defeats the purpose.
Then, the Public Transportation. Okay, so this one wasn’t exactly a voluntary choice. My car decided to die on me last month. BUT, I’m actually kinda digging it. I take the bus to work now, and it’s actually pretty relaxing. I just pop in my headphones, listen to a podcast, and zone out. It takes a bit longer than driving, obviously, but it’s way less stressful than battling traffic. I actually get to read a book, play some games on my phone, and sometimes even take a nap (don’t tell anyone). Plus, it’s way cheaper than gas and parking. The downside is, of course, the schedule. You gotta plan your trips around the bus schedule, which can be a pain in the ass sometimes. But, overall, I’m surprised by how much I like it.
Finally: Walking. I know, groundbreaking, right? But seriously, I’ve been trying to walk more whenever possible. Instead of driving to the corner store, I walk. Instead of taking the elevator, I take the stairs. It’s such a small thing, but it adds up. It’s good for your body, good for your mind, and it doesn’t cost a damn thing. And you get to see things you’d never notice when driving. The other day I saw a squirrel trying to bury a walnut in a potted plant on someone’s porch. It was hilarious.
My main takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for me might not work for you. But even small changes can make a difference. I’m not saying you have to ditch your car and become a hermit. But maybe try biking to work one day a week. Or taking the bus every now and then. Or just walking to the store instead of driving. It’s all about finding what works for you and making a conscious effort to be a little less of a burden on the planet. And hey, you might even save some money in the process.
- Biking: Good exercise, saves gas, can be sweaty.
- Scooter: Convenient for short trips, fun, hates hills.
- Public Transportation: Relaxing, cheap, schedule-dependent.
- Walking: Free, easy, good for you.
So yeah, that’s my eco-friendly transportation journey so far. It’s a work in progress, but I’m having fun with it. And who knows, maybe I’ll even inspire someone else to try something new. Peace out!
