Car-free giving

Today is my son’s 21st birthday. So, for his birthday, I committed to a car-free week in his name. I’ve told a number of people about it, trying to spread the good word, maybe inspiring them to try similar green projects—but not everybody gets it. “What? You’re not driving so he can use the car?” No.

Here’s an explanation:

One, Tyler is traveling, so presents sent across the country and then stuffed into the small car he’s sharing with two other people is impractical. Two, Tyler is the least material-minded person I know. He does not want big piles of stuff. He loves a celebration, though, and so when asked what he’d like for his birthday, he suggested something creative—a meal, a movie, a hike up a mountain. Car free week seemed to fit.

Plus, Tyler is determinedly eco-minded. For a long time he refused to pay for car insurance because he preferred to walk, bike or take public transportation. For an entire summer, he biked from Takoma Park to a job in Dupont Circle. And this is the most important point: Ty wants to reduce carbon emissions and shift the country to a lifestyle with a smaller footprint. By watching him walk the walk I have learned, once again, from my kids. Just do the right thing. Even if it’s just for a week.

I thought a car-free week would be no big deal, but it was more challenging than I expected it would be. There were no quick runs to the co-op for the one missing ingredient for salsa (limes). I had to postpone banking and I’m late returning my library book due to pouring rain. And I had to surreptitiously swipe at my dirt-spattered legs after a rainy bike ride to metro and an early morning business meeting.

But in other ways a car-free life is rewarding. There are no moral dilemmas about whether I should drive or walk—the answer is predetermined. No parallel parking in front of the house. No checking to be sure I have quarters for the parking meters. I am getting exercise even though I didn’t make it to dance or yoga. I felt the first fall days in a way I’d have missed in the car. I met a fellow bike enthusiast while I was unlocking my bike outside the grocery store. And when I was on the phone describing to Tyler how my bike began to feel like a part of my body, as easy to maneuver as my legs and arms, he knew exactly what I meant.

Happy Birthday, Ty. And thanks.