Spring is finally upon us.† No longer do we need to trudge through banks of snow or fight icy winds to find our way to class.† So why are so many of us still riding around in cars?
We are all well aware of the environmental and economical costs of burning gasoline.† We hear about it all the time: rising temperatures in the North, melting ice caps, hurricanes, dying polar bears and so many other phenomena ó all linked to Global Climate change.† We saw “Happy Feet,” so why aren’t we making the connection yet?† Driving gas powered cars means more carbon dioxide; more carbon dioxide means more greenhouse effect.† So the next time you go to jump in your car to drive a few blocks, consider your other options.
The first and most elementary solution of them all: go for a walk.† Sure it may take a little longer, but with all that extra exercise you may not need to spend so long at the gym.† Who likes treadmills anyways?† Take advantage of the beautiful weather, enjoy your surroundings and rest assured that you will never need to compete for that parking spot in Lowry Circle.
For longer journeys, or for those of us with a need to feel the wind rushing through their hair, try biking.† Most of the places students frequent in Wooster are no further than three miles away, which equates to a 15- minute leisure ride.† With the addition of a basket or a slightly trendier pannier (panniers, pronounced pan-yay, are satchels that go over the back wheel), one can carry groceries or other what-not.† Don’t have a bike?†† The College Bike Program has several bikes that are available to rent for the day from Lowry front desk.
Finally, for those trips that must be made by motorized vehicles consider sharing the ride.† Activities are always better when friends are involved, so why not make travel plans with others when going home or to the airport.
Soon students will be able to rent cars through a program called WooGo Carshare.† Transportation, ResLife, and S.P.S. are pairing with Hertz to offer vehicles for students, in an effort to decrease the call for personal cars on campus.† In another effort to re-vamp the ride share board in Lowry, students are currently working on a virtual “board,” where they can offer or request to carpool with their fellow students safely.† The ride board will be up and running soon from The College of Wooster’s Current Students page.
Questions on WooGo Carshare can be directed to Officer Kevin Cooper from Security, while questions on Bike Program rentals and garage information go to Stephanie Jarvis ’11.† For more information, or suggestions on the ride board contact Matt Policastro ’13.
This is the third of a five part series.† Alyssa Getta is the Vice President of the Greenhouse program and can be reached at AGetta11@wooster.edu