The Low-Car Diet
We issued a challenge: for one whole month, put down your keys, dust off your bike, trike or roller skates and find out what the Zipcar way of life is all about.
Members from all 13 Zipcar cities rose to the task, committing their keys and their consciences to being car-free, and joining the second annual Low-Car Diet. Here we chronicled their experiences���the good, the bad, and the ugly���as they went from car-sharing rookies to bona fide Zipsters and lived to tell the tale.
How'd it go?
let's hear from our participants...
Louis Paolella
Seattle, WA
"This past week I actually took a significant step in my quest to be car free: I have demonstrated my commitment and sold my car. Even though I have not driven my car since starting the Zipcar Low-Car Diet, only now I can I say that I am truly car free. Yay!"read more
Rachel Borchardt
Washington, DC
"Boy, it's almost been a month...! Hard to believe. I've cleaned up my car, and should be posting an ad to sell it in the next couple days."read more
Lauren Herskovic
Chicago, IL
"So the Low-Car Diet is over. It's been a long and extremely fun journey. I really feel like this Low-Car Diet changed my life for the better and I'm excited to take all these lessons with me. First step: get rid of my darn car."read more
Heather Rice
Philadelphia, PA
"I am actively looking into donating my car to a charity who will use it for carpooling or some other "green practice." I now embody the car-less bug and I look forward to spreading it joyfully!"read more
Steve Ma
Washington, DC
"I am taking the plunge. I have decided to get rid of my car. I'll save money, have a lower carbon footprint, and will no longer have to deal with car repairs, finding parking spots, and dealing with the DMV. Wahoo!!"read more
Greg Tanski
Pittsburgh, PA
"This week I'm proud to say I was completely car-free, aside from a couple trips in friends' cars. My bike and feet were able to take me anywhere I needed to go. I'm almost certain now that as soon as possible, I will be getting rid of the car."read more
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132% – increase in miles biked
93% – increase in miles walked
413 – pounds lost
66% – decrease in miles driven
61% – plan to go car-free