We know that cars are bad for us. So why do we carry on using our cars so much? We all make excuses: "The busess always late!" "I haven't got time to walk." I'm talking about myself, too. I admit:I'm addicted to my car. When I asked Jeny Trowe of Greenpeace for advice about how to give up, she told me six things:
1. Use your legs.Over 25% of car journeys are under two miles-short journeys we could easily walk or cycle. Leg power can save you money, keep you fit and help you live longer. And regular exercise cuts the risk of heart disease by 50%!
2. Use public transport.On average,about forty people travel in one bus, while the same number occupy thirty-three cars. Sometimes it can take a little bit longer, but so what? You can relax on the bus or train, read a book, talk to someone, meet the love of yur life-who knows?
3. Think berfore you go.Do you really have to go to that shopping center on the other side of town? What about the shops around the corner? Before you get into your car, think about whether you really need to make that journey.
4. Share cars. If you've really got to use a car, share journeys with someone else. It is much cheaper and kinder to the environment.