Going the extra mile: the green alternative to AAA road service. (Money Matters).Most Americans have lovehate relationships with their automobiles. While cars do offer mobility, the open road is full of potholes--the literal ones and the environmental reckoning of congestion The condition of a network when there is not enough bandwidth to support the current traffic load. congestion - When the offered load of a data communication path exceeds the capacity. , global warming global warming, the gradual increase of the temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. and declining air quality. Membership in an automobile club is one time-honored way motorists can gain some security and support. But few people are aware that their auto dub, in addition to providing valuable services, from travelers' insurance and checks to roadside assistance, can also be a powerful political force working for social and environmental change--for better or for worse. AAA AAA: see American Automobile Association. (Triple A) A common single-cell battery used in a myriad of electronic devices of all variety. Like its double A (AA) cousin, it provides 1.5 volts of DC power. When used in series, the voltage is multiplied. (formerly called the American Automobile Association American Automobile Association (AAA), federation of American automobile clubs, est. 1902. AAA provides a number of benefits to its members, including emergency road service; national and international travel assistance, e.g. ) is a virtual synonym for "auto club." With 45 million members and 85 regional clubs, the century-old AAA is one of the largest membership organizations in the U.S. The group was founded in part as an "advocacy organization" for motorists, and stated goals include "support of adequate highways and elimination of burdensome taxes and restrictions." But as Ralph Nader  This page is currently protected from editing until (UTC) or until disputes have been resolved. wrote in his syndicated column, "Beneath
its benign image as a `travel club' AAA has become a big-time
lobbyist that mimics the agenda of the nation's giant automobile
manufacturers. Travelers who pay dues to AAA find themselves supporting
lobbyists who fight the Clean Air Act, public transportation, stronger
safety standards Safety standards are standards designed to ensure the safety of products, activities or processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory. and even bike paths." AAA argues that such
regulations will "threaten personal mobility." The club also
maintains that--in defiance of smart growth advocates and recent
transportation studies-building more roads is the best way to alleviate
both congestion and air pollution.
Green Alternative Environmentally minded drivers now have another option, thanks to Portland, Oregon-based entrepreneurs Mitch Rofsky and Todd Silberman. The duo formed the for-profit Better World Travelers Club in 2002 to offer the full services of a national auto club tempered with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. In addition to offering such services as nationwide emergency roadside assistance, travel guidance and insurance, the Better World Travelers Club provides substantial discounts on eco-friendly tours and lodging, as well as a 20 percent discount on electric and hybrid car hybrid car, hybrid vehicle hybrid n → Hybridfahrzeug nt or -auto nt rentals. Members can also get reduced rates on new bicycles and electric vehicles. The travel club explicitly supports such environmental policies as increases in mass transit mass transit, public transportation systems designed to move large numbers of passengers. Types and Advantages Mass transit refers to municipal or regional public shared transportation, such as buses, streetcars, and ferries, open to all on a funding and the strengthening of clean air regulations. One percent of club revenues are donated to environmental restoration projects. As Rofsky explains, "To decrease the substantial environmental footprint of transportation, we created a program called Travel Cool." Funds raised through Travel Cool are used to offset the carbon dioxide carbon dioxide, chemical compound, CO2, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is about one and one-half times as dense as air under ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure. produced by travelers. "The credits are certified by the Oregon-based Climate Neutral Network, and have so far been earmarked to make efficiency improvements in the heating systems of Portland public schools Portland Public Schools can refer to the school district in at least three school districts.
With each round-trip domestic flight booked through Better World Travel, the company donates $11 to the offset program, rendering the trip effectively emissions neutral. For international flights, the company splits the $22 cost with the traveler. Better World also accepts tax-deductible donations from people who book their flights through any other means, converting the money into emissions offset projects. A complementary program is in place for motorists. Basic membership in the Better World Travelers Club costs $49.95 a year. More extensive plans are also available. In a policy that has been praised by the gay and lesbian community, the club became the first in the industry to recognize domestic partners in membership plans. Rofsky points out that, unlike other auto clubs, Better World also offers an even greener option for minimalists and two-wheel aficionados: Full service bicycle memberships starting at $39.95. As club literature explains, "We'll take you and your bike to the nearest repair facility, or home, within 30 miles." There are options for combined car and bike memberships as well. "Of course, an ecologically minded auto club is not a panacea for all the environmental ills associated with driving," admits Dave Tilford of the Center for a New American Dream The Center for a New American Dream is a non-profit organization based in Takoma Park, Maryland, on the border of Washington, DC. A primary focus of New American Dream is promoting sustainable consumption. , which is leading a campaign to improve AAA's environmental record. "But it is a step in the right direction." CONTACT: Better World Travelers Club, (866)3047540, www.betterworldclub.com. Trees: A Gift of Life Trees in Memory and Trees in Celebration programs honor your special person, and helps to plant trees in America's national forests. Planting trees celebrates our hope for tomorrow and commemorates the lives of those who have made a difference. Each $10 donated will plant 10 trees. Write to The National Arbor Day Foundation The National Arbor Day Foundation is the world's oldest and largest tree-planting organization.[1] Its million members plant millions of trees every year. New members receive 10 free trees. , Attention: Trees in Memory/ Trees in Celebration, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, or phone Member Services at 888-448-7337. Order online at www.Arborday, org The National Arbor Day Foundation[R] BRIAN HOWARD For the American basketball player, see Brian Howard (basketball). For the English football player, see Brian Howard (footballer). Brian Christian de Claiborne Howard is Managing Editor of E. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion