For most people it is essential that they own a car. You might need it to get to work every day or to drive your children from school to their various extra curricular activities and still get home in time to make dinner. But that doesn't mean that you have to hop behind the wheel every time you have some place to go. Just leaving the car in the garage a few times a week could make a significant difference to how much energy you're using a year.

Start by choosing one place a week that you're going to get to without the help of the car. Many people decide that it might be beneficial to jog or bike to their fitness gym so that they can start their workout before even entering the building. Another choice is to decide to have your date night with your significant other in your neighborhood and walk to and from the restaurant. You might find that you can enjoy that dessert a little more when you're going to be working it off getting home.

Remember that there are other options for getting to places that are too far to walk without using your own car. If you're traveling while on the job, you might find that you can actually get more work done on the road by taking the train. Or, if you're spending three hours a day commuting from home to your job downtown than you might want to take a break from being behind the wheel by carpooling with other people in your area.

Are you living in the central area of a big city? You are likely aware that it is much easier to leave you car at home than it is to drive to your destination. Most of the amenities you will require on a daily basis are very close to your downtown location. On the other hand, if you are living further away, you might find it more convenient to drive only part of the way into the city. Finding the nearest subway station or commuter train is another option used by many people needing to get to their place of employment.

The amount that you will need to drive is definitely something that you should keep in mind when you're choosing a home. Usually the places that are more convenient, like downtown properties and those that are along major transit routes are a little more expensive. But you might find that you actually save money in the long run if you don't need to pay for as much gas or maybe even not need a car at all. It's important to just do what you can in terms of reducing the amount that you drive.

If you're really set on using your car less, finding a home closer to your job or vice versa is a great way to go. We appreciate you taking the time to read about the many ways you can help lessen your environmental impact.