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As a group, our aim is to foster a greater awareness of how we can get on better with our environment.
If you're interested, give Richard a call on 566 5427.
Below are a few thoughts on transport options to get you thinking...
To reduce the environmental impact of your transport, here are some options to consider. They start at the top with the easiest things to do, and generally the cost increases as you go down the list. This article doesn't intend to pass judgement on your current or future choices. We ask that you do the best you can for the environment, but only you know what will work for you.
If you don't have to cover huge distances or carry a lot of stuff, this is the most available (and cheapest) option. Generally the slowest way to get places (except in downtown gridlock!), but:
The Wellington region has New Zealand's best public transport network. If your travel matches the routes and timetable then convenient transport is yours at a modest cost in comparison with providing your own.
Timetables from Council buildings, public libraries, or on the internet www.metlink.org.nz
Bicycles have improved a lot recently - they are now lighter (= less effort) plus the gears and brakes are much better than the original ten-speeds of the 1980s. For transport purposes (compared to purely sport/exercise), adding mudguards, lights and a carrier makes a bike much more useful.
You can do more by pedal power than most people realise. All the advantages listed above, and: Lengthen your existing bike to carry 2-3 kids, a week's groceries, even a surfboard - on the internet see www.xtracycle.com
Add an electric motor to help with the hills or heavy loads - on Trade-Me (www.trademe.co.nz) there are adverts from a local retailer or on the internet see www.cleverchimp.com - a motor designed specifically to work with the lengthened Xtracycle.
Use a trailer for anything that would fit in a car, and things that won't. Available through cycle shops or make one for minimal cost. See examples on the internet at www.bikesatwork.com
Take a folding bicycle on public transport and use it at either end. In the Lower Hutt public library see "Encycleopedia" (629.2), or many websites including www.bikefriday.com
Design and build your own bike from scrap parts. In the Lower Hutt public library see "Atomic Zombie's Bicycle Builder's Bonanza" (629.2), or see the website at www.atomiczombie.com. If you will make the effort to build something then Neville has the equipment and some know-how to help.
See other bikes designed for all sorts of loads at www.workbike.org (6-10 small children?). Often expensive to import from half way around the world, but you copy the designs and build locally.
Not widely available commercially, but existing cars can be converted. In NZ the conversion cost is around $10-15,000 dollars (according to the former NZ Electric Vehicle Association), and:
One of the best conversion books is in the Lower Hutt public library - "Build your own electric Vehicle" by Bob Brant (629.2222). Also numerous overseas websites - highly recommended is www.electric-cars-are-for-girls.com … full of lifestyle information rather than technical how-to.
You may know about the Toyota Prius - a hybrid car with both a petrol and an electric motor that produces fewer emissions than a conventional petrol car, and is cheaper to run.
In America people have discovered that they can add a second battery (there's already space) and a mains power plug for overnight electrical recharging. The converted car:
There is a good chance that car makers will produce these cars commercially in the near future - especially if the public insist on demanding them. You can support this movement now - for more information see www.pluginamerica.org or borrow the book from Neville - very readable.
If you already have a car then maybe you can:
About 60% of the pollution attributable to a car is caused by manufacturing it. So don't change cars too often ... but when you do, choose the best you can then maintain it to last as long as possible.
Please ... look at all the options and make a conscious decision.
Some options do require specific planning ahead (budgeting possibly) … if you plan now then you'll be ready when the time comes, and you will save money overall (in the same way as saving to buy a house is cheaper than renting).
You may not need as much as you first think. If you need larger transport only rarely, consider borrowing or hiring it on those occasions, paying for from what you save by not owning it all the time. (To take this to extremes - we all need a furniture truck a few times in our lives, but we don't drive around in them every day, do we?)
Downsizing is not just for environmental reasons. If you currently have a car, work out how much it really costs you (including periodic replacement). If you could get by without a car, what else could you do instead with that money? What are your real life dreams that would become achievable?
If we've overlooked something in this list then talk to Neville - we can update the list.
There is much more information about all of these options. Often the latest information is on the internet … if you don't have internet access then talk to someone who does. (And if you do have access and are able to share, please tell others who may need it.)