Since living in Germany one of the things foremost in our minds is reduce, reuse and recycle. It is darn expensive to live in Europe. Gas is double what it is in the states (one of the perks of the military is that we are able to buy gas at the average price offered in the states but folks we are months away from slapping down a FIVE for a gallon) and it takes a bundle of green to power the lights and action in your home. I find myself on a daily basis checking myself to make sure I'm not wasting and being as efficient as I can be . . . so these are the things I find myself saying repeatedly "girls turn off the lights, transformer, radio, TV, close the fridge door, take a shower that does the job but be quick about it". I find myself thinking repeatedly "I can do that errand another day when I'm already scheduled to drive in for something else, I don't NEED that . . . I'll think about it some more". We have such great windows in our home that let in such wonderful sunlight that there is a rare day that we have to turn on lights. When the sun breaks before 5 am and tucks itself away after 9:30 pm there is not a need.
Well, Mark made a big change this week. He sold his car and bought a bike. This is something he has thought about doing ever since we moved here. By doing this we have reduced a gasoline leak in our pocketbook and eliminated an insurance payment. It takes him 25 minutes to get to work which is only an additional 10 from driving. I'll admit that I was a little panicked as we have always been a 2 car family. But our family situation currently does not warrant the second vehicle so we will give it a good try and hope for the best. We have been doing it so far for 2 weeks and no kinks have risen up.
Now it will get a bit tricky as we are expecting family to walk through our doors all summer long but we anticipate the use of the grand European public transportation system and the rental of a few cars so that we may travel farther distances to see many wonders and have grand adventures. During the winter the bike may need a few down days depending on Mr. Frost but we will get through it the best and most efficient way possible.
5 comments:
Wow...good luck! What a healthy choice. Enjoy the family visits!
I love hearing about how you guys are doing your part to reduce your footprint. No doubt in my mind your kicking our tail in that area. It is easier when your in a community that is more mindful of their consumption and such.
That's awesome Mark has a bike for his main mode of transport he is truly embracing the European ways. We are basically down to one car as well. If Gary didn't work from home it would be a different situation. The old Subi is still kicking around but it only gets fired up to take the dogs for a ride or to go search for the dogs. When we sell the house I really want to find a place that is walkable or bikeable it's a much better way of livin.
Way to go Leslie. I have thought about a moped to ride to work, but am afraid it would not be a very pretty sight! I too am finding myself trying to do all my "running" at once. Can't wait to see our fuel bill this winter. Killer!!
So cool!...but how does he get his instrument to work? Does he leave it there? I hope this works well for you guys. You are definitely braver than me.
Yes, he leaves his uniforms and equipment at work. Of course there are days when it is not possible to bike but since they are few and far between I can go without the car for those.
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