How to Save the Environment: Yes, It’s This Easy

Debates rage. Some, or most don't care. Many say go Nuclear. Others are die hard wind and solar supporters. The truth is at the level of consumption of our country, we could cover every square inch of our country with wind turbines and still not come close. Here's what can and will save the environment.

Seem Ridiculous? You'd think so at first, especially if you don't ride one. Gas price are rising as the summer crests, but how is that different than before? Gas prices have always been rising.

Bikes are cheap. They are cheap to maintain. You can purchase a working used bike for under $100. Yes. That's it. That's one week of gasoline. Seems ridiculous right?

The difference is people are actually beginning to try and find alternate means of transportation. Before we would just get frustrated with the high price of gas but still keep pumping it into our vehicles, tens of gallons a week, per person.

Now people are finding ways around using their car. Maybe they live in a city with public transportation. Maybe not.

Bike riding is great and will save our environment. Our overweight country will lose some much needed weight. Pollution will drop immensely. We will save natural resources by not only buying fewer cars, but buying fewer natural resources. This can force the industry, auto industry in particular to reevaluate the situation.

The technology is is there. But the demand is not. Sure people want cars that get better gas mileage, but what will they sacrifice? Auto makers know this and until the demand for little to zero emission vehicles is widespread enough that it affects their sales, they will do just enough to stay “green” but will take very few initiatives themselves.

Riding a bike in your city and flooding the streets forces cities to become more bike accessible. Bike lanes will be built in cities that don't already have them. More bike shops open and more auto dealers close.

You don't have to ditch your car. There are times we need cars to transport animals, gear, people and anything you can't carry on your bike. But using your bike to get to work and class and recreation will show that passion for saving the environment and creating more eco-friendly cars, and more eco-friendly people.

Maybe this is a pipe dream. Getting half of our country to ride bikes instead of cars. Maybe I'm too optimistic. Maybe there are a million factors I'm not accounting for. I guarantee there's at least a few. I'm young and passionate about change. I enjoy riding my bike. I get to places faster than if I were to drive.

Change starts small, with pockets of resistance and enlightenment. Spread the word. Ride a bike, people will notice, it will grow. It's easy to sit here and gripe, but not as easy as just riding to work. Even if it doesn't, what's the downside? You're getting exercise and saving money.