Anyone chosen to go car less?

I gave up mine 6 years ago. Although I live in London so easily done, and since 60 virtually all of my public transport is free. I did have a zipcar account for two years, but found I barely used that too. I have an Uber account (also using that to get around in Brasil this week - 130km ride, £45. No brainer).

I probably have adjusted for some things eg more likely to use a shop etc which I don't necessarily have to drive to. Again, in London, not a problem. I saw mention of a tip above. My council take virtually all garden waste free, and more than a car load of excess household waste for £20. Even with that, some things, eg mattresses, are free. I recently had a fairly big clear out - the old shed, garden furniture, 10 years of old paint cans etc A guy did it for £140. Probably a once in a decade event.

I don't think I am helping the planet too much. I am having 4 to 5 months out of the UK, and 90% of my purchases at home come via Amazon.

I visited my sister in Coulby recently. Of course, not an option there, and pretty isolating for those who don't have a car.

So, for me, it works. Anything within 20 to 30 mins of me I will walk, and my bike gets more use. Virtually everything I need on a daily basis is walkable anyway.
 
Wife drives, I don’t. I get in a car about once a week. The rest of the time I walk, cycle and bus/tram/train (occasionally Uber). It’s not difficult when you’ve always done it, and you’ve always lived in places with good links. I can see how it’s tricky if you’re used to getting in and of your car several times a day though.
 
I went years without a car in London, I simply didn't need one, and when I did get one I was maybe only doing 2-3k miles a year which was mainly travelling up north. Since I've moved back to the north east I don't think I've used local public transport - it's almost non existent. Not sure I could do without a car now.
 
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SmallTown said:
Exactly. I find it crazy when people think their actions are pointless. It's absolutely not the case
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At an individual level, their actions are most definitely pointless, other than making them feel all warm and wooly and enable them to sleep comfortably at night.
 
Malaguena said:
At an individual level, their actions are most definitely pointless, other than making them feel all warm and wooly and enable them to sleep comfortably at night.
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I would disagree. People's actions make a difference. Small maybe, but certainly there. It's a very poor person who thinks their actions mean nothing
 
We tried to go down to one car last year and I got the mrs a small motorbike instead for going to work, it didnt go to plan as I kept having to stay away with work I’d use trains where I could but I’d often need to drive which meant the Mrs was having to do school runs in our 7.5 tonne horse box as the primary school is 3 and abit miles from our house. Ended up having to go back to 2 cars.
 
One thing to consider: after two years without renewing car insurance, you lose your NCD. Burning your boats, so to speak.
 
SmallTown said:
I would disagree. People's actions make a difference. Small maybe, but certainly there. It's a very poor person who thinks their actions mean nothing
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Will an individual giving up their car (in this example) make any difference whatsoever to resolving the global climate crisis? - no

Will a significant number of people in the UK giving up their car make any difference to resolving the climate crisis? - no, and it's not going to happen anyway

Should that stop people doing it - of course not, and if they get benefit from it and makes them feel better by contributing in some small way then great
 
I have never owned a car. Mind you I live in London so it's a piece of **** really. Still 9 out of 10 people still have a car for some reason.

The problem with trains is not their reliability but thier price. The only difficulty I have is that it's difficult to visit friends around the country due to expense.

Well done Finny, cars are terrible things. Always amuses me how a board full of car drivers moan about **** like vaping.

Of course individuals can make a difference. What a dreadful attitude. Why bother voting otherwise. let's just behave like an **** an pollute the planet for the children we profess to care for because everyone else is doing it.
 
Malaguena said:
Will an individual giving up their car (in this example) make any difference whatsoever to resolving the global climate crisis? - no

Will a significant number of people in the UK giving up their car make any difference to resolving the climate crisis? - no, and it's not going to happen anyway

Should that stop people doing it - of course not, and if they get benefit from it and makes them feel better by contributing in some small way then great
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Yes, they absolutely will. How can not putting as many greenhouse gases into the air not?
 
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