There are many transportation options besides owning a car and driving it wherever you go. Some of these options can be even more convenient, not to mention cheaper and often more fun not to mention better for the environment.

If you must have a car, and I certainly do, try combining several trips into one; it just takes some planning. Carpooling is wonderful and reduces the need to always drive yourself. You may also be able to carpool, where multiple people own the vehicle. You can make arrangements with friends, although usually people do it through programs like Zipcar or Flexcar, which cost around $ 10 an hour. Another option is to rent a car if you only need it from time to time.

Of course, public transportation exists in most parts of the world, though in many parts of the US It’s pretty mediocre but it’s getting better. I have several friends who take the train to work, for example, and reading or relaxing on a train is definitely better than fighting rush hour traffic twice a day.

Of course, sometimes you can also use totally eco-friendly options! I walk a lot, for example to run errands during lunch break at work. And I bike a lot, even making the occasional 38-mile commute to the office by bike.

Vacations are another area to consider. While traveling to the exotic locals by plane, train, and car is fun, there can also be relatively local and fascinating places to explore. You don’t need a jet plane ride to be exotic and fun!