Carbon saved by axing car ownership
Taking the decision not to own a car might seem like a big step, especially if you've always had one, but there are lots of alternatives ways of getting around. Public transport, although links might be better in some places than in others, can be a lot cheaper than the costs of maintaining, fuelling and keeping a car taxed every year. It can also keep you much healthier as shorter journeys can be walked or cycled, save time e.g. shopping can be delivered and if you really need a car, you can always opt for a car club (see below for more info).
CO2 saved by getting rid of the car:
CO2 saved by not owning a car
In the UK, the average car owner drives 13,438 km per year, emitting 2.246 tonnes of CO2. Assuming 90% of this saving is realised by not owning a car - taking into account taxis and other occasional car use - this figure would be reduced to 2021.4 kg of CO2 SAVED per year.
CO2 saved by joining a car club
After joining a car club, reducing mileage by 50% and using a newer, more efficient car, average annual emissions could be reduced to 0.87 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. 2.246 - 0.87 = 1.376 tonnes = 1376kg CO2 SAVED
Average CO2 saving of axing the car = (2021.4 + 1376)/2
= 1698.7 kg CO2 saved per year
If you don't regularly use your car why not ditch it and join a car club, saving money and avoiding chores like sorting out insurance and arranging for servicing work and MOTs:
City Car Club
: Britain's largest commercial car club and is dedicated to using eco-friendly cars. It is located in: London, Edinburgh, Bath, Brighton, Bristol, High Wycombe, Norwich, Poole, Portsmouth, Hyde and Camberly.
Zipcar: An American company that has recently branched out to London and has plans for further expansion in the UK. "Each zipcar replaces over 20 privately owned vehicles" (Zipcar)
Street Car: British car club located in London, Brighton, Southampton and Kent.
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