Car-driving Environmentalist: an Oxymoron?

As I walked by my neighbour's window, grocery bag slung over my shoulder, I heard him yell out, "Don't you drive? You're always walking! Why don't you just drive to the store?"

His confusion is understandable. He's seen me in my car, and the store is a bit of a walk. Yet I almost never drive there. I prefer to lug the heavy bags home. It isn't for exercise, as I have two gym memberships. I'm just doing my small part to keep exhaust emissions down.

My neighbour isn't the only person who thinks I'm a freak. My friends don't walk anywhere, as far as I know. When we meet for dinner, there are FIVE of our cars parked at the restaurant. Ever since his company gave him a work truck, my friend D doesn't walk or take the bus anymore. When I walk to the Skytrain, co-workers stop and offer a ride. For all two blocks to the station.

Why don't I take my car off the road completely?

I love having it. No more dealing with drunken morons on the late-night Skytrain. I can squeeze in more activities in my day, because I'm not wasting time on transit. I can drive to campsites - yay! There are too many advantages that come with having a car. But I try my very best to not use it too much.

Are there any other Vancouverites who own a car, yet call themselves Environmentalists? Add your comment, explaining how you offset your emissions with environmental actions.

Photo copyright of Agasel Lin.