The car, a great symbol of freedom, is convenient but it has its limits. Although manufacturers are busy finding solutions to make vehicles less polluting and less fossil fuel intensive, it is now necessary to look at ecological alternatives. For the planet, for future generations and for you, here are 5 ideas of ecological means of transportation to adopt other than walking...
Le vélo
The essential alternative to the car for short trips is the bicycle. Shunned after the war and until the 90s, considered as a proletarian means of locomotion, the bicycle is making a comeback in recent years.
It is said that doing sports is excellent for health, so why not combine usefulness and pleasure?
More and more cities are making availableself-service bicycleswith subscription or a la carte allowing those who do not have one to be able to move at any time of the day or night.
Think about the scooter for transporting heavy or bulky stuff!
Benefits: The bike still allows you to travel long distances. One avoids the worries associated with owning a motor vehicle (congestion, parking, traffic jams, insurance, maintenance costs...).
Disadvantages: in bike, you are at the mercy of the weather. When it rains, it can be dangerous. With physical exertion, some people may sweat profusely and require a shower once they arrive at their workplace.
Le co-voiturage
Carpooling not only llimits its ecological impact but also saves time and money. It is notable that carpooling helps to relieve traffic congestion and reduces the risk of traffic jams.
For example, some parents arrange to take turns taking children to school, or travelers use platforms to find a driver or passenger to share the cost on a trip.
Drawbacks: dependent on others to get around.
Public transportation
Buses, subways and streetcars offer the possibility of getting around in the same city thus limiting the use of cars. Many cities, departments and regions fund programs to allow schoolchildren, senior citizens and recipients of social minima to take advantage of public transportation free of charge or at a low price.
Many buses are electric or run on ethanol which is a bio-fuel while streetcars and subways as for them are electric. Thus, these committed alternatives help preserve air quality in cities.
Disadvantages: rush hours, strikes, delays, diverted lines, underserved network...
Le train et le TGV
Trains and high-speed trains are considered the least polluting public transportation. They are fast and allow for long distance travel while minimizing its ecological impact. To travel within the same region or to reach the capital, the train is very convenient.
Sleeper trains are making a comeback to meet the growing demand of travelers. However, although it is eco-friendly, this means of transportation has its limitations: travel between two major cities not well served, delays, fares...
The self-service electric car
The electric car in self-service is like car-sharing. One car can be used for several drivers. This avoids the need to acquire a car and the costs inherent in it, limiting the number of vehicles on the road. Less cars means less traffic jams! Fewer cars means less pollution!
This system has been implemented in large cities and is very popular with city dwellers.
Electric, a big debate
Pro or anti-electric? The decision is difficult. An electric vehicle does not emit CO2. However, the vast majority of electricity produced in France comes from nuclear power, which requires huge amounts of water and uranium to operate, which is mined in deposits in the Sahel. Its extraction is very polluting because of the radiation emitted and the working conditions of the miners are not ethical. In addition, there is the issue of recycling used batteries...