Driving is literally choking the planet. You may think it’s normal, but fifty years ago, no-one drove to the shops. Today, less 20 per cent of the world’s population do it. It’s not normal, and it’s not sustainable.
What to do? Walk to the shops!
How far do you walk in the shopping mall if you go there? Probably a kilometre or two! So why on earth when you are parked in the street do you come out of one shop, jump in the car and drive 300 metres up the road looking for another park?
If you live close to your regular shops why do you drive at all?Just briefly
There is an architectural movement called New Urbanism that sets out to design cities and suburbs as walkable spaces that encourage community.
If you are buying a new house, you might consider taking some of these principles into account. I lived in the inner city of Sydney for twenty years, where most of the shops are in old fashioned strip shopping areas.
Five years ago, I stopped shopping at the mall and started using local stores.
That was one of the biggest lifestyle changes I have made and it was instrumental in learning to live in a way that does not harm the planet.
Inner city locations are often more energy efficient than suburban areas where everyone drives everywhere to do everything.
Benefits | Costs |
| Ten minutes to half an hour each trip. DownsideYou might have to plan your shopping trip a little more. |
Places to go | Hard FactsOne quarter of car trips are to do shopping and last an average of 13 minutes. |
Search termsGruen factor shopping stroll woonerf new urbanism greener shopping centres | Related tipsShop locally Bake your own food. Share a car Spend nothing for a day |
