Roughly two weeks ago, I saw "my car" of the last two years for the last time. The money was delivered, the papers signed. That Friday night, I walked home.

Despite my newfound restricted mobility, I actually feel freer. This may come partly from the fact that, due to the relieved demand of monthly car and insurance payments, I've cut back my work schedule by twenty hours each week. However, I've found myself truly enjoying walking to and from work or the grocery store. Granted, it takes three or more times as much time (and far more physical exertion) to get from one place to the other. However, living and working in (or, I guess, near) downtown Salt Lake City means that most things I need are within a range of twelve blocks. In Salt Lake, of course, a block is an eighth of a mile, but considering that (and the none-too-shabbiness of our public transit system), I just couldn't really justify car ownership anymore.

The primary reasons* are twofold: obviously financial, but also environmental. Now, I realize that me giving up the consumption of five to ten gallons of gasoline per week isn't going to save the planet. Nor do I expect that I will serve as some sort of role model, inspiring the masses to lead greener lives. And I certainly don't see myself as some sort of paragon of environmentalism. However, not only do I wish to watch the polar icecaps melt with as little guilt as possible (don't fret; there'll still be fucking plenty of guilt), I think the same principle's at play as when you encourage your friends and family to watch a show for which you're fearing cancellation: sure, you and they aren't likely to receive a Nielsen survey, but with any luck, your actions are indicative of a larger movement. You feel like you're doing your part.

Naturally, I don't condemn people who own cars. How could I? We live in a car culture. We probably won't ever not (unless, you know, the impending collapse of civilization is that severe). Unless you're driving an SUV down the block or have ever professed admiring thoughts of a Hummer Limo (seriously, goddamn), I've got no beef. Hopefully, though, those who can get by without an automobile will. And hopefully we come up with something soon that will help keep those who can't get by without one from fucking up the planet so severely.

*Bonus reason: Do you know how much shit can go wrong with cars? One minor engine or tire or mechanical or structural glitch can set you back thousands of dollars and incapacitate/inconvenience you for days. Neurotic as I am, sometimes the added anxiety of a potential "what's that sound?" or "what's different about the way this is handling?" as I walked out to the car in the morning was damn near unbearable.