Comments on: green traveler seeking blue bin

By: calimama

calimama — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:07:14 +0000

James, I am by no means an expert on the subject. I merely found it an interesting and positive option and wanted to pass it along.

That being said, in my opinion, Zipcars are not being promoted necessarily to redirect people who take public transportation but as a way to say to car owners “if you don’t drive every day, get rid of your car and consider us”. A taxi or bus is perhaps not the best option when making a trip to Home Depot or for a large grocery run.

I read of a woman who rented several cars for her and her friends (none of whom owned cars), so they could do a scavenger hunt throughout the city as part of a birthday surprise. Not as green as a scavenger hunt in the house or neighborhood? Perhaps, but what a wonderful day they had.

You’re right, it’s not for the every day driver. And it’s not for those who can use taxis and public transportation to meet there needs. I do believe there is a big gap in between that could be met with this alternative though. If that’s not correct they won’t be around long to worry about anyway.

By: James

James — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:05:07 +0000

Are Zipcars really green? I know this was not the point of your article and I must admit, I am late in learning about Zipcars or Flexcars. Funny that renting a room by the hour is sinister, but renting a car by the hour is enlighted.

Anyway, I’ve noticed that Zipcar is promoting their cars a “good for the planet” because it takes cars off the road. When I do the math, I see them actually adding cars to the road. That’s because if you drive every day, it will cost about $600-$700/month for an inexpensive low MPG car (purchase amortization, fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc.). At $60/day the zipcar would cost $1500-$1800/month. So the Zipcar is definately for occasional drivers. This is to Zipcar’s own admission and they also say their cars are more popular to customers who live in urban settings.

Soooooooo, if it’s not for every day drivers and it is primarly targeted for urban dwellers, then it is putting a car on the road for 3 to 5 occasional drivers who otherwise would have taken a taxi (that is already on the road) or public transportation…which is actually the green option.

By: emma

emma — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:37:29 +0000

Sometimes I read your posts I think – holy shit, I am a derelict and environment abuser! But since I know you, I think I should be credited, like with the whole carbon footprint thing.

I have to admit that my favorite part of staying at hotels is the toiletries! And it saves time for me going through security if I don’t have to show them 17 little containers of liquid.

I do really like the use of the cordials!

Have a safe and relaxing trip. Look forward to hearing about it on the flip side.