After reading 900 emails this weekend, I must say that there is a near unanimous call to ensure that the One Fewer Range Rover isn’t blown up or hucked into the Pacific Ocean, and I agree wholeheartedly. I especially appreciated 4th grade teacher, Jackie C.’s response that young onlookers would “think it’s ‘cool’ to see an expensive car blown up or flung into the ocean and will probably ask their parents to do the same, but” miss the grander idea of making big changes in our lives to protect the resources on which we depend.

I also received dozens of emails passionately describing why global warming is a myth, from volcanic eruptions causing more than the CO2 produced by human beings in a year to debates that seem to be getting nowhere fast.

Then I came across an email from Garret S., from Alaska, who tells his story about becoming One Fewer last year.

In October of 2007, I became one fewer. I had picked up a modest little 2003 Malibu for my weekly commute of 500 miles while working in a software development shop in Alaska. I moved a bit closer to work after a couple of years, but maintained the Driver’s Lifestyle. A quick trip home for lunch, two or three trips to the grocery store a week, random trips to friends’ houses (even if staying for only thirty minutes or so), and then the 5-mile commute to and from the office.

I didn’t really have any problem with the situation; after all, what else was I to do? I lived in the relatively sprawling metropolis of Anchorage, complete with a shoddy public transit system, some unsafe pedestrian areas, and winters that can get a little less than comfortable.

A second move in October of last year changed one of those elements by giving me access to a trail system that did not cross many significant roadways, thereby reducing the risk that I would be exposed to if I chose to get to work without the aid of a motorized vehicle.

Since that time I have been car-free. The commute is 5-6 miles each way, which I complete either on foot, cross-country skis, or bike. Days that I walk tend to be a little on the long side, so I try to either catch up on Podcasts that I have missed or else practice some Russian conversation skills through the Pimsleur CDs.

I have had to give up on some of the conveniences that come with the Driver’s Lifestyle. I now plan out a week’s shopping and try to get everything that I will need on a walk to the nearest (1.5 miles away) market on a Sunday afternoon. I don’t go out to eat as often as I used to. I plan days to spend with friends a little more carefully, as skiing or biking across town is a pretty big commitment. I see my family members in neighboring towns a little less than I used to.

There are times that I still use a car – my girlfriend drives, and I will go with her on some trips to the store or to our friends’ homes, and on some days when I feel a little too sick to try biking to work I either have to take a sick day (which is honestly a bit better than Ass-In-Chair days when I stare at the monitor with a head cold) or else opt to take a cab. However, I try to limit these and avoid requesting that we do any special trips in the car just on my behalf.

People ask why I do it, and, on the days that are -40 F and blowing, so do I. It isn’t that I am convinced my actions will “save the planet” or anything so grand, even when combined with the efforts of others. I do, however, like the idea of reducing rampant consumerism and establishing sustainable methods of transport and energy. Plus, it feels great to blow off steam after a long day in the office by skiing past moose and frozen lakes.

I commend Garret for the sacrifices he decided to take in October. I feel like we too often choose convenience over necessity, only to take us faster to places where we don’t want to be. I also appreciated that he is aware that one person’s actions, like taking a single Range Rover off the road forever, won’t change much. But it’s still doing something bigger than ourselves and feels right, as a result.

Photo: Drurydrama on Flickr