Opinion: Letter

Cars that actually help the environment

The University of Wisconsin is one of the forerunners in environmental change, yet one of the most easily accessible community transportation assets goes unnoticed by a vast majority of our student body. Started in October 2003 by Sonja Newenhouse, Community Car was opened in order "to improve the environment and provide an affordable community-based transportation option." We, as a campus community, have several grassroots organizations that we work with to better our lives and our city. Therefore, why do we not fully embrace the alternative transportation benefits Community Car provides us?

For many students, our carbon footprint is bigger than it should be and bigger than it needs to be. One of the ways in which Community Car helps us reduce our carbon footprint is by providing fuel-efficient hybrids in over half of its fleet. Because car-share members drive 50 percent less upon joining a car-sharing group, one car in Community Car's fleet is enough for between 50-75 members' car needs. By joining Community Car, 57 percent of members are able to avoid the purchase of a vehicle and 22 percent of members are able to sell a vehicle upon joining. According to an article written by Fred Pearce in the Nov. 17-23, 2007, edition of New Scientist, "The average American driver could save a whopping 2.5 tonnes [of carbon dioxide] per year by changing to a gasoline-electric hybrid car." So it can help us lower our emissions, and reduce our carbon footprint, great. What about the cost?

According to AAA, the average cost of car ownership in 2007 is $9,498. This total includes car payments, gas, insurance and parking. Taking advantage of Community Car when you need a quick drive now and then will cost you about $444 per year, depending on the type of plan you have and your average use. That is quite a savings for us poor college students and no more worrying about insurance payments, oil changes and the parking enforcers and their chalk.

Our community has always been responsible for making Madison a strong and environmentally conscious city. Thus far, Madison has shown that we want to make a difference. We are active in our local chapters of grassroots organizations, and it is now time to take advantage of another great service offered around Madison. We have been passed in many ways by the people of California, so why not step up to the plate and take a swing ourselves?

Let us start making those small changes in our lives, taking advantage of the new ideas that are given to us. Community Car is a service of transportation, just like the bus system. Would you rather sit for an hour on the bus to get across town or drive a stylish new hybrid? Help the community make a noticeable difference by utilizing resources and remember to do it wisely.

Kathleen Steigerwald

UW senior, zoology

steigerwald@wisc.edu