Michele
Portland, OR
A year and a half ago, I gave up my car. I felt that my commitment to the earth's health required, at this point of my life, a powerful symbolic action. Beyond the direct impact of auto use on air quality, I realized that the ecological impact of war is profound, and that our nation's reliance on oil was one of the key reasons we were involved in conflict in the Middle East. It hasn't been easy, but not driving has granted me unexpected rewards. My legs are stronger, my fitness level has risen, I've developed new friendships through ride-sharing, saved thousands of dollars, and grown connected to my city in a new way as I move through it on foot and bicycle. Going carless has also changed my perspective on what activities I'm truly committed to, forcing me to become more rooted in my neighborhood. I now patronize local businesses almost exclusively, and have moved my office closer to my home. Even living in an area that is rainy most of the year, my decision to stop owning a car is one that I do not question or regret; it has offered me far more than it has cost me.