I don't drive

I am not trying to waste your time. Take your money. I am not lazy.

Since I gave birth, I notice more and more the activities I am excluded from participating in. I notice more and more that people don't offer lifts. That I am at an age and a life stage where I am now 'expected' to drive.

The attitude of people that I am in some way being selfish.

Even from my husband.

You know what?

I am trying to be the opposite of selfish. I am trying to help your kids, and mine. I am trying to help the animals, and those in poorer countries. I am trying to help the us who exist in just a few short years time.

My belief is that the actions of the one matters. Our individual actions are the sum of the whole. Together, you and I decide how the world will look, in ten years time, in twenty years time, in one hundred years time.

I don't drive.

I choose not to drive.

For now. I don't think I can keep it up. Why not drive? Everyone else is doing it and nobody (let me repeat, nobody) values my choice. My husband says my choice excludes our son from social activities and will negatively affect him as he grows up.

There are three truths:
1) Not driving is a more environmentally beneficial way of life. Not just in terms of CO2 omissions. Also in terms of making roads safer, for children and cyclists. For runners. For those who choose to use their bodies. For animals.
2) Not driving is healthier way of life, for me. For my son, as he grows up seeing what life is like when you use your body.
3) Not driving is bloody difficult in our society. It is not accepted, not valued as a lifestyle choice, viewed as lesser, and not facilitated in any way. The public transport links do not exist. Car pooling is not a typical transport choice.

What's so wrong with driving anyway?