Riding with Strangers in Perth, West Oz

For around 6 months of the year, I am one of the sheep in business shirts you see entering their rectangular working receptacles in Perth CBD, Western Australia. Every morning traffic is backed up over the narrow bridge that crosses the river into the city.

I watch the people talking on their phones, picking their noses, and swearing at the cars in front of them as I look up from the book I'm enjoying on the bus. As I walk over the pedestrian overpass I see them circling the carparks and oneway streets looking for the ever dwindling parking space.

I feel a little bit smug as I calculate that parking for one day in the city is $12, while busfare is about $5. Nevermind the fuel and running costs of your average 6-cylinder family wagon.

Watching a bus pass me while walking down the terrace, I notice that it is running on gas not diesel, and I am reminded that the 30-40 other people on the bus with me have saved a heap of carbon monoxide being pumped into the air.

Cameron
Perth, WA

Living without a Car

Living without a car has improved my life. I have lived without a car for almost four years now. The initial reason for my transition from car dependence to freedom was financial. I could not afford to buy a car, pay for insurance, maintenance, or the increasing price of gasoline. After selling my car I realized that there are many other benefits to not owning a car, including minimizing my ecological foot print, feeling healthy and fit, and the exciting possibility of meeting a cute guy on the public transit system, or on a kayak!

Katiyana Williams

Freeloading can be green

For the last 2 years I've avoided expensive rent prices in the town of Santa Barbara, CA, by living 20 minutes away on the top of an 1,800 ft mountain pass (keep in mind that SB is nearly at sea level). Considering that SB now hosts some of the most expensive gas prices in the nation, which are on the rise as summer approaches, and my social and business life exists in town, the commute prices almost equate to the difference in rent. On top of that my four banger subaru is starting to fall apart after 130,000 miles of carbon farting. I've suggested installing a cable car from the corner of State and Carrillo to the top of 154 but the city didn't like my idea for asthetic reasons. WTF. If Chamonix has the Telepherique why can't I have my own form of public transportation here in Santa Barbara? Plus, it would be good for tourism and I'd be able to host more parties promoting green stuff. Alright, I'll stop now. As an alternative, I've resorted to making some personal changes. Not only am I looking to move down into town so I can commute by bike, in the meantime I will be freeloading off Ed and Kristian, the founders of Imdoingit, and parking my carcass on their couch for the nights that I leave town late, only to drive back early the next morning. As a result, my personal carbon footprint and gas expenditures decrease, and Ed and Kristian are graced with my presence as I help myself to their breakfast supplies. Thanks guys, I'll make it up to you when I buy my eco-dome condo on the Riviera.

Malcolm - Santa Barbara