This is how we roll

I vowed not to be one of those mothers who enroll their children is countless organized activities, only to become just that sort of mother.

The only criteria I have is that the activity must be very close to our house, or on a bus route. But my town's park and rec department's community center is about a block away, which houses my daughter's preschool and (soon) her dance class. Her swimming class is just a mere half block further, so you can see I have a surprising amount of options.

And I know that some parents think I'm cuckoo by dragging my kids around on a bike, sometimes in pretty crappy weather. The other day, we walked home in torrential downpours with just some rain boots and umbrellas. My neighbor didn't just think I was crazy, he told me so.

But on a bike, I can get in/get out much quicker than in a car. A round trip might take just three or four minutes. And getting outside, even in bad weather, expends a lot of kid energy that keeps the girls from re-carpeting the house with plastic toys.

With gas prices jumping about 15 cents in two days, it might be cuckoo. But feels pretty sane to me.

Now I realize not everybody has the option of living two blocks from activity central, but our central location coupled with non-car transportation means some days when my husband takes the bus, which is becoming more and more frequent, we don't even move the car from the driveway.

Another way to think about it is to contemplate a commute. If I worked in Peoria, I'd spend close to $2,000 a year just driving to and from work, without any pit stops. Did I mention cuckoo?

Hurry up and wait

That was our day yesterday after a very long, very stressful trip on the city bus. I know, I know... I'm always saying things like, "Sell your car and ride the bus. It's fun!" Well, it's fun sometimes, I think.

We don't use the bus much in the summer. I really only take it a few places (transferring with two kids can be a little like trying to pull two kids off the monkey bars and one of the kids is kicking you in the head) and the bike is just an easier option. Mostly that's because I can come and go at my leisure, which I enjoy.

A bus is a whole different story. It only comes by our house once an hour. That requires us to be at the bus stop at 45 minutes past the hour and, more importantly, be at the downtown stop at 35 minutes past the hour. Missing the bus means either waiting an hour for the next bus or walking the mile home.

Ever try to get two kids under the age of 5 out the door is 3 minutes? Well, it's tricky. It's even harder in the winter with coats, hats, mittens and boots.

But when I made an ambitious trip to Meijer yesteday, I broke the cardinal rule of riding public transit in a small town — wear a watch. If you're constantly worried about the time, it's stressful.

To my kids' credit, they were extremely well behaved on the bus. Well, except for my 2-year-old pointing and laughing at the giant Vietnam Veteran wearing a beret, a hat she apparently found hilarious. But all this waiting serves as good opportunities for running around, which at a bus stop, isn't a great spot for that. We did find a nice little spot with steps and some grass.

But while the weather is nice, the bike is definitely better.

Dump the Pump

It's the third annual Dump the Pump day, promoting public transit.

Our family isn't driving today. Steve took the bus to work, I biked to the grocery store/playground and will later be biking to the pool. Our public transit system is offering free rides today, so I'm a little bummed I'm not taking the bus somewhere.

Since we regular make everyday Dump the Pump day, I don't feel too bad. Driving less saves us much, much money, we are healthier and we're contributing to a more sustainable world.

We don't need a day to feel good about that. Although free buttons help. Visit this Public Transportation site for a free button showing your support for the bus/train.

Bye-bye Hummer

"Who would want a Hummer? Can you imagine if you had a Hummer right now? What a nightmare that would be."

My husband just laughs at my rant, and it's double entendre-y nature. But seriously. Who has that kind of cash just waiting to be thrown away on gas?

Nobody, it turns out. GM is backing off it's line of SUVs, and thinking of selling its beloved Hummer, to focus on smaller cars. Come on Ford. Bring back that feisty Festiva at nearly 30 mpg.

Come to think of it, maybe people are going a bit further. A few weeks ago on a bike ride to the park with my girls, I saw two other parents with kid trailers — on the SAME block. I see them everywhere now (even my neighborhood Target store for less than $100 on sale). Today at the playground, the only things there were three parents, three kids and two bikes with Burleys.

It's pretty exciting to watch the market crush the things are damaging the planet while promote the things that make us all healthier.

Successful no-mo

We made it, but just barely.

A weekend without driving seemed like a great idea Friday. The forecast called for sunny and 80 all weekend. So when rain showers threatened even an hour outing, it seemed clear that no car (and no buses running Sunday or Monday) would leave us pretty inside and bored.

But we pushed on, took some chances and had a fantastic weekend complete with three meals from the grill and lunch at a restaurant. It was mostly uneventful, but it was inexpensive and nice to just be home with the family.

No-mo weekend

Since gas prices are ridiculously high, and because my family and I had mostly planned a leisurely weekend of yard work, playgrounds and around-town outings, we decided to go car free this Memorial Day weekend. Plus we have brats from this local farmer, so really there's no reason to go anywhere.

For any adventures we might take, we'll be traveling via walk, bike or bus. I'm sure this will work out perfectly well, without even one 2-year-old tantrum. So happy three-day weekend to us and everybody else.

Awesome reasons for not driving

Spring has finally arrived and you really, really need to head to the mega-store for all sorts of supplies.

But bummer, you don't have the car.

The only thing left to do is hook the cart to your bike and head to the park. Don't forget a pretty substantial snack. You might be there for a while.

Cheap Green Tip 1: Sell your car

(I’ll pause while you stop laughing. Done yet? How about now?)

Hopefully I haven’t lost you. So maybe giving up your wheels seems a tad extreme. I get that. I’m pretty certain most people think I don’t drive because of some recent series of drinking-and-driving incarcerations.

But…


If moms are to lead the way toward a greener future, they need to drive less. We drive too freakin’ much, and sometimes for really stupid things. If you think a special trip to the store for organic polenta is eco-friendly, think again.

Start small. Combine errands. Shop close to home. Have somebody hide your car keys once a week so you won't be tempted to drive around town listening to Dr. Laura while your kids scarf down a large order of fries.

Americans produce an annual average of 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, almost a third from driving. Reducing annual mileage by 20 miles a week eliminates 1,000 pounds of CO2 emissions each year. Also, you'll save about $130 in gas.

If you’re like me, maybe you’ll find the extra car sitting in the driveway isn’t necessary. And consider the money saved from car payments, insurance, maintenance and gas, a price put near $20,000 for some high-end models.

Tip: If you live in a fairly small town, or in a green-dreamland like Oregon, biking around town for errands in the warm months is fun for the kids, efficient and helps you look fantastic in a bathing suit. My girls love a bike ride to the playground.