TRANSPORT IMPACTS

So, we all want to be good and use alternative modes but it’s not just me….I have a load to carry!!!!

I can hear you saying “The car is the only way to get everything where I need to go”. It is a pretty valid point but I hope to try and help change this with some ideas about how to make it easier to use alternative transport. Some of these ideas that come to my mind are

Take a “granny” shopping cart and walk or take public transport to the shop

You may not feel like the coolest kid in the supermarket walking around with your shopping cart - but hey, it’s a supermarket not a night club. And for all you fashion victims, they do it Paris. You can buy ones that fold up and are all different shapes and sizes. I think you can get them for under $20. They are so practical and will save your arms and you can use it instead of the growing pile of green bags.

Get a rack and panniers for your bike (or even just a basket)

Putting the load on the wheels instead of your back can make a huge difference. There are a range of panniers (saddlebags) that you can buy. Some can be quite dear ($200+ per pair) but they will last and serve you well (they are better than 200 green bags). There are others that are about half this price. If you are not prepared to splurge, you can always get a basket or milk crate and tie it onto your rack. Be creative, but make sure it’s secure.

Limit the number of “big shops”

If you are going to do a car shop, try and buy all the non-perishable foods you’ll need in a while. If you can incorporate this trip with another, that’s even better. When it comes to buying your perishables, try and go to more local shops - you might even rediscover your local fruit and veg shop and make friends with the shopkeeper. (I find that the supermarkets are often just as expensive for fruit and vegetables, the produce isn’t as tasty and you can waste a lot of time queuing.)

Think a little about what you really need

Often people have become complacent, as they can fit a whole boot load of stuff into their car. Spend a minute to decide what is necessary for the day or what you might be able to leave at work. Even if you are driving you should do this, as extra weight means extra fuel. You will feel lighter and freer!!!

Carry your load as comfortably as you can

Try to avoid awkward bags - I know I have sometimes craved a backpack or at least a bag with a shoulder strap as I have walked along with a bag hitting my knees. Work out how you can best fit your bag into the bus with you, without feeling like you are caving through bags to sit down. You’ll work it out.

Hope this helps. If you have any more ideas - I’m keen to hear them and I’ll add them to mine.