My Environmental Resolution

My Environmental Resolution: To give up the car for the entire month of May.

In 2009 we moved from Chicago, IL to Lansing, MI, which for the most part has been a fabulous move for us. One thing keeps nagging at me. . .HOW MUCH I USE MY CAR NOW!!! Back and forth twice a day for preschool plus other trips to the store, playdates, etc. I can't stand it. I know, it's only 5 miles to preschool and about the same to the local shops but I struggle with my dependence on the car.

Last fall I attempted to bike (with my two and four year olds in tow) to and from school. The 3-hour tour left me exhausted and I still had to get back for pick-up! Next came the idea to use the bus. Public transportation around Lansing isn't nearly as grand as that in Chicago, however it does exist! So, here's my plan:

I will bike 1.5 miles to the nearest bus stop, park the bike, ride the bus to the nearest stop to preschool, walk 0.5 miles to preschool then return home for the 2-year-old's nap (perhaps my own at this point!) and do it all again for pick-up. Fortunately the grocery store is close to preschool so I plan to do a little shopping most days for groceries. This bus line also goes to the center of MSU where most buses can be met so transfers will be possible for other trips. I can also catch the Amtrak train in East Lansing if I desire to travel a longer distance.

I'm trading 6 miles biking, 12 miles on the bus, 2 miles walking for 0 miles in the car per day!

Why would I subject myself and my two young children to this ridiculous commute? Well, I think it will be more of an adventure than a commute. We have compartmentalized ourselves to our homes and cars - reducing our interactions with others so much from Chicago to Lansing. My primary goal is to reduce my dependence on the car and gasoline, reducing my carbon footprint. I can only wonder at this point about what unexpected lessons this experience is sure to teach us about ourselves, our community and our environment. How will this experience change me, my children, my family and other people we encounter? This is why I'm "blogging" about it. I'm so excited I'm practically bursting to share this adventure with you!