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Going Full Greta
I don’t know if I can do it
As with many others, Greta Thunberg is my current number one hero. She makes me think. And, importantly, she walks her talk. Compared to most Americans I have a teeny tiny carbon footprint but Greta has got me thinking about how I might make it even smaller. I’ve realized there is more I can do but I’ve also realized that I am not sure I can go ‘Full Greta’ and I’ll explain why in a minute.
Greta does not use fossil fuel powered vehicles for transportation. For many Americans that would be unthinkable. At my last job I had a co-worker who lived just two blocks from the office yet she drove to work each day. When her car broke down she was beside herself. She didn’t know what to do. She was calling all her friends trying to get rides to work. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO HER to simply go out her front door and walk two blocks. IT NEVER OCCURRED TO HER! Sadly, this is the mindset of so many Americans. They simply will not go anywhere without driving.
I have not owned a fossil fuel powered car — or any vehicle — in six years. I’ve gone for long stretches of time without a car several times in the past as well. I walk! And my legs do not pollute. And they don’t require license plates, a license, insurance, gas, or constant repair bills. They have not only saved the planet from some pollution but they have saved me countless tens…