Zipcar, the world's largest car - sharing service, is calling on urban residents to apply for the 2009 Low-Car Diet. Beginning July 15, participants from all 13 Zipcar cities in the United States, Canada and London, UK will pledge to give up their personally owned car for one month. Instead, they will bike, walk, use public transport and be given a Zipcar membership.
In the midst of a challenging economy, the Low-Car Diet gives people the opportunity to test drive a low-car and less expensive lifestyle. The programme gives participants the experience of living without a car and the associated economic, environmental and health benefits.
According to a recent survey, the average American household owns two cars and spends 19% of income on vehicle - related expenses. The average UK household also owns two cars and spends 13% of income on transport, of which 85% is motoring costs. However, upon joining Zipcar, 65% of members report selling an existing car or delaying the purchase of a new one. As a result, Zipcar members spend just 6% of their income on transportation-related costs, a significant savings at a time when people everywhere are looking to cut costs.
"Smart consumption – including the ability to use something without owning it – is at the heart of Zipcar capitalism," said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "We encourage people to take part in this year's Low-Car Diet challenge and experience our vision of more car sharers than car owners in cities around the globe."
Last year's Low-Car Diet demonstrated that having a taste of a low-car lifestyle can lead to permanent car shedding. 58% of 2008 participants stated that they planned to continue to live without a personally owned car, and another 31% considered the same commitment. During the month-long program, participants also reduced vehicle miles travelled by 100,000 miles, saved 4,000 gallons of fuel (preventing more than 75,000 pounds of carbon emissions), lost weight due to increased walking and biking and saved significantly on their transportation costs.
For individuals who are interested in participating in the 2009 Low-Car Diet in the United Kingdom visit tinyurl.com/lowcardietuk to apply.
