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GREEN TRANSPORT - FOR FUN

© Linda Little

Did you know that some of the greener ways to travel are also some of the most fun. Well they are. In this column I will introduce you to an environmental priority list for travelling and some of the more unusual ways you can get from A to B without wrecking the planet.

DARK GREEN TRANSPORT:
is self-powered, minimum resource transport
Types of Transport Included: Walking, running, swimming, climbing
Advantages: It is very good for the planet as it involves renewable power and minimal resources. An excellent source of exercise, so you keep fit. It also allows you to 'commune with nature' far more than any of the other methods (with the possible exception of animal riding.)
Disadvantages: It does take a long time to get anywhere, so you need to set off early.

MID GREEN TRANSPORT:
is animal-powered, minimum resource transport
Types of Transport Included: Horse riding, donkey riding
Advantages: A well-treated animal is self-healing. He/she is produced by a natural biological process which is neither wasteful nor destructive. (Remember that even bicycles require a mining for the metal used, the harvesting of rubber and a factory process.) Although manure can be polluting, properly treated and well-rotted it can be thoroughly recycled.
Disadvantages: Riding animals are extremely costly to keep. They require continual care, even during times when they will not be used for transportation so a lot of time must be set aside to look after them. They can also become biologically unfit for transportation through illness or pregnancy. When ridden on roads they can be harrassed by other road users. Riding animals need regular stops, watering and feeding while on route and can only travel so far in a day.

LIGHT GREEN TRANSPORT:
is self-powered, resource-aided transport...
Type of Transport Included: Rollerskating, skateboarding, skooter (modern non-powered, looks like a skateboard with a handle), cycling, tricycling, sleding, skiing, canoeing, rowing, pedaloeing - or anything else you can think of which uses your own muscles for propulsion and no other power.
Advantages: These make very cheap forms of transport. After the initial outlay, the maintenance costs are minimal. All these vehicles cause minimum pollution or habitat destruction - though when mountain-biking over land care should be taken to reduce habitat destruction.
Disadvantages: Narrow vehicles, like bicycles are still very vulnerable in traffic, while scooters riders/skateboarders/rollerbladers still get hassle when they use pavements and are often subjected to unfair bi-laws. Light vehicles are more vulnerable to theft and need to be thoroughly secured when left. Cycle parking is still very limited in some areas.

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