Sucking it up: When driving is the only option

Climate change solutions on the surface seem to be aimed at city slickers. Drive less, bike more! Why don’t you take public transit or catch a ride with a neighbour? It’s all so simple if we work together! Maybe for some. Having close friends living in remote rural communities and the suburbs, I know that biking would be a good hour commute for some of them. They probably wouldn’t mind, but as luck would have it, their work doesn’t offer showers for the post-ride. Co-workers would reap the rewards of that ride, with fragrant smells of the country wafting around all day. And taking public transit from the country? The horse over at Frank’s place doesn’t really count. I mean really, where would you park?

It’s unfortunate and uncomfortable for many to admit, but an important issue that needs to be addressed. Our communities have been created around roads and developed for the car. In this era of the need for serious action to combat the effects of climate change, how are we supposed to react when told to drive less, given little alternative? I am really interested to hear from my suburban and rural friends out there. Are there any actions we could add to The Good Life to account for suburban/rural living? Post your comments and we’ll talk.

by Joanne Adair