Have you ever noticed that most cars are parked for the majority of the day? People often only need their vehicle to get to work and for errands such as groceries. So the rest of the time why not have other people using the car? This is the idea behind car shares and car co-ops. The city of Guelph has had a car co-op since 2001. The way a car co-op works is that you pay into the membership and can reserve a car when you need and pay by the kilometer. In Guelph, the co-op holds their cars at a downtown parking lot where you can pick up and drop off the vehicles. This method is ideal for people who only need a vehicle for errands, need access to a second car once in a while or just don’t want the cost of owning your own vehicle. The co-op covers the cost of insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance.

But if you cannot imagine life without owning a car there are other environmental things you can do. If you commute to work or ever drive to other cities try posting at online carpool sites. The benefits of carpooling include reducing your costs by splitting the gas bill, helping someone out who is going in your direction and reducing your carbon footprint. Also, whenever possible consider alternative forms of transportation like the bus, train, walking and biking. I know its cheesy and we have all heard it before but every little bit does count!