How did you do on the first ever Global No Drive Day?

[Michael de Groot]

I am looking forward to hearing all your stories and please be honest, as I know some of you were not able to participate on the exact day and instead substituted another day. It is all about creating awareness on Climate Change.

To share with you what I did. Apart from turning the clocks back, I spent the morning relaxing in front of my PC! The rain was coming down hard so my plans to spend it on my bicycle were a little delayed. I had been invited to attend a small meeting in the afternoon in the next village about 5 miles away. So when the rain stopped I cycled to the meeting and as I have not yet got lights on my bicycle, I had to race back home before it got dark. I am quite rural, so no street lights anywhere,

It is funny how I have been reducing the amount that I drive now, ever since I announce global no drive day.

Just heard a report on BBC news that Britain is not doing enough on Climate change.

Here is a quote from the report out today!

In a report, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) said the government had not risen fully to the challenge.

It voiced concern at the government's likely failure to meet its own targets to cut CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010.

This would damage the UK's lead role in efforts to reach a new international climate change agreement, it warned.

And just heard that Oil prices in USA have just reached it's highest level ever! The highest levels were in the 70's how interesting that this was when governments forced us all to stop driving. Wonder what will be ahead very soon!

Well the November date will be soon upon us, so I am sure you have it in your diary and are planning how to spend it!

Thank you for your support for the planet and the children of the future.

ps. I started a discussion on Facebook and it has caused some interesting discussion indeed!

Love and gratitude, Michael

[Paul Spicer]

Well I managed the first Global No Drive Day ok. After racking up the mileage on the previous 3 days because of work it was good not to have an urgency to go anywhere yesterday. I was up bright and early and like Michael I was sitting in front of the computer for most of the morning as the rain started to pour down.

I had a generaly lazy day which was just what I needed. I'm hoping to do the same again next Sunday even though it's not Global No Drive Day but if I can stay away from driving most Sundays (Apart from when i'm working) that would be an even greater step than just 12 times a year which I orginally comitted to.

[Trudy Sefton]

I did have to keep reminding myself that I must not drive on Sunday. I did have a chore which would have meant going out in the car and this was to take rubbish for recycling to the tip which in fact is a good thing to do. However, I was determined not to drive and instead we spend some time decorating and relaxing for a change. The rubbish can always wait till next week.
To continue this every month.....? NO PROBLEM whatsoever!

[warble]

Hello! Not only have we had Global No Drive Day, but Global No Drive Month!! It actually somewhat by accident as the car has needed (drastic) fixing, but I think we've made good progress in learning about public transport options & coping without a car. In fact as long as Dan's not working in a far flung place late at night on the last Sunday of each month, (which sadly happens quite a bit,) we're up for it!

We had a lovely day yesterday just pottering about near home, and neither Dan nor Mama had quite realised you had actually started the whole thing, so everyone's very proud! Well done & thank you for egging us on!

[Coach Erwin]

It is quite funny. As I work from home, I do not drive that much anyway, and therefore I had planned not to drive on that Sunday. But, finally I had to drive. I was suddenly invited to take part in a two day exhibition in Granada (about 1 hour and a half away by car) so on Sunday afternoon I had to drive back home.
But as said warble, I most of the times do not use the car.

[Narayan Menon]

Like Erwin said, my case is also funny. I walk to my office everyday and use a bicycle for shopping.
I dont own a car and use my bike rarely. But on the first Global No-drive day I had to drive a borrowed car !
I felt very bad about it, but it could not be avoided as I had to drop my aged parents at the airport.

Well I am proud of you guys who could support Global No Drive Day !

[Mo Talukder]

Hello All,

Today, I went to the German Markets in Birmingham City Centre. As I live in the city, my friend and I just walked which was easy. It was really lively with fairground rides, hot german delicious delights and lots of fun things to buy - very good for Christmas presents.

Last sunday, I also just stayed in and did not use my car. It was so nice just to rest and not to have to rush out like I normally do - instead I was under a duvet watching the rain and grateful I was warm and dry :-)!!!
I hope you all had fun whatever you did!

Lots of love,
Mo
xxxx

[Paul Spicer]

Well Global No Derive Day 2 and I managed not to use the van. Again because i wasn't working I had a very lazy Sunday afternoon which was great plus we repotted some plants that were just getting to big for their boots. Did a bit of tidying up etc..... generally did very little which was great..I'm keeping my fingers crossed that i can do the same next Sunday as that adds towards another contribution for December as I will be working on the next Global No Drive day so will make an extra special effort to not drive for a few days extra.