To think that people should walk more, drive less if they want to save the planet?

[poshsinglemum]

I am 31 and I am learning to drive. I didn't want to learn when I was 17 as I was an ardent environmentalist. I am less so now and have realised that it would be very useful to have a car for dd and I.

However, I hope that I don't become the kind of person who drives to the local shops or down the road.

I think if people want to cut carbon emmissions they should only use the car for longer journeys and take the bus more.

It won't happen though. Peopel like their vehicles too much.

I walk most places and much further than most people would be prepared to and in all weathers for a variety of reasons (cheap, kids like the fresh air, can stop at a park or at shops easily, good exercise, don't have to find a parking space, avoid road rage morons etc). Most people think I am very strange.

Yes, buses are horrible. I rarely get a bus unless I need to go to the hospital. There are loads that go there and it's a cheaper fare so I don't mind for that.

MitchyInge!

Well, a lot of it is circumstance of course.

I could smugly sit here and tell you about how my husband and I have one small (£35/yr car tax) car between us and only fill up the tank once every two months. Oh I have :D

Anyway, the point is we live within walking distance of small town, a train station and my work. My husband is based from home and most of his travelling involves going to central london, so he walks to the train station and goes from there because it is easier.

Six years ago, I was driving from the NE to the SW (six hours) at least once every two weeks to see DH and driving all over the place really hillwalking and kayaking. He had a big 4WD and drove that a lot, too.

I do try to be 'greener' (oh how I love my compost tumbler) and I do try to walk rather than take the care but I am also very aware that circumstance has allowed me to be as 'green' as we are on the car front.

I put on at least a stone after I passed my test (at 24!) - the combination of less exercise and the ease at which I could now 'nip' to the shops for chocolate was alarming.

Don't know where you are but the bus is bloody expensive these days, can get there in the comfort of my own car quicker.

I walk quite often because I like walking (plus it's free!). Wild horses won't drag me on a bus though after years of being reliant on them in my youth.