Why I'm living without a car

To reduce emissions, the highest-emitting people in the world have to change a lot about how we live our lives - and driving is the most obvious thing to go. We’ll show you how Umbra did it.
You can do the calculations for your own lifestyle using the same method we used. Just click on over here:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Sources:
Kim Nicholas, Lund University
www.lunduniversity.lu.se/luca...
Mustache, Mr. Money
www.mrmoneymustache.com/
EPA, 2018
www.epa.gov/sites/production/...
Governing
www.governing.com/gov-data/car...
Ding Ding, et al.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
American Public Transportation Association
www.apta.com/resources/report...
And, of course, the IPCC
www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

[@artuselias]

I grew up in a sparsely populated suburban area where the car was very important for the people, and now I'm in a city with excellent public transport where I don't need a car and I think I would ever go back. I really don't get why so many people still hang on to them.

[@nicolasslonimsky]

My car left me when my wife and I divorced. I didn't buy a new one. Mostly I ride my bike, but can get a car pretty easily when I need one (borrow, carshare, Car2Go, rental, Uber, etc. Also transit.) I am healthier, happier and richer. The environmental benefits are all fine, but I live without a car because I am selfish. I like being richer and happier and healthier.

[@eveandrews2705]

steve, you and i have a lot in common!

[@marlenegonzalez941]

at least your honest😂

[@wbuttry1]

thats not selfish thats smart.

[@kottelkannim4919]

Since your isolated experiment involves two independent variables (divorcing wife, divorcing car), it is difficult to assess the influence each variable had on being healthier, happier and richer.

[@nicolasslonimsky]

@@kottelkannim4919 Perhaps, and also I get older and change jobs and have other life changes. Lots of variables. You should try the same experiment and let me know how it works. That will provide additional data points.

[@KJSvitko]

Bicycles need to be a big part of every cities transportation system. Bicycles make life and cities better. Fossil fuels free transportation. No emissions, no noise.

[@Parth-hz3bu]

@@x-ray5036 lithium mining for EVs is pretty bad for the environment too

[@Pseudynom]

Cities need bike highways. Traffic lights slow you down a lot and cyclists are usually better at getting around each other without crashing.

[@chroma6947]

Bicycles are the modern horse, a genius invention. Shame that cars made people lazy, suprise suprise.

[@Tore_Lund]

In the video she say that ditching her car reduced her footprint by 30%. This is fairly accurate. A bus is lower emission if there are 15 passengers or more onboard, which holds true for city and suburban travelling. A bicycle emits 70-90% of a car with one occupant. The reason cycling isn't cleaner is because food is the most dirty energy source known to man. Per unit energy, food is 3 times worse than diesel. This is because of fossil fuels used in farming and processing distribution and retail and the odd restaurant visit. Further, the human body is half as efficient as a car engine, so those of you thinking cycling is emission free are forgetting something! If you love cycling, get an E-bike and use 100% assist, i.e. no pedalling. You can get as low as 5g CO2 per mile by only using electricity, 20 times less than a Tesla.

[@pg5200]

@@Tore_Lund This is actually not true, given that you only need to take account of the excess food you have to eat to cycle. And that, unless living in a very hilly area, is very little extra food per km/mile - much less than what made 40% of the USA adults obese. Studies from the Shift Project (French transition group) showed that cycling emits around 20gCO2/km, compared to 100gCO2/km for a small electric car (based on a lifetime estimation + average CO2 emissions for producing the electricity) and twice as much for a combustion engine car (same calculation base, including fuel extraction and refinery work). Electrically assisted bicycles also were around 20g/km.

[@LoveToday8]

I did this around 3.5 years ago. I had moved to Chicago because I wanted to utilize their public transportation system. The first year I lived there I had an intership that required a car. I was so happy when I moved to an apartment a block away from the Red Line. I haven't looked back. If you live in a city with decent public transportation it doesn't make much sense to drive everywhere if you don't have to.

[@kjchicago1]

Did you ride the CTA(Chicago Transit Authority Mass Transit System)

[@angryoldman9140]

I’m 26 have a lot of physical illness and disease but I still bike everywhere and I tow my four year old child everywhere we go. I hate city people who drive everywhere. Makes me really mad to be honest. I am a single parent. I pull over 120 pounds of shit in the trailer behind me when we grocery shop. I’m like 105 pounds. No one has an excuse.

[@tyson31415]

I'm 47 and I've never had one. It's not that hard.

[@alonzo9772]

It depends where you live. In a small town, driving is very important.

[@Valdore1000]

Same for me. Many people consider it status. I consider it weakness.

[@Valdore1000]

@@alonzo9772 That's what petrol making companies "help us" to comprehend.

[@chroma6947]

@@alonzo9772 We lived for millennia's and millennia's without cars. You can use a horse if it came down to it, but you dont have a train station near your town? In the uk we can find one easy enough. Electric trains are the way forward for getting around the country

[@Jake-rs9nq]

@@chroma6947 I live 1.6 miles from the nearest bus stop, and 3.5 miles from my work. That is fairly close by American standards, but that distance is still very difficult to travel without a car. Walking 1.6 miles in the sun in the summer in 90-100°F (32-38°C) weather would be a terrible idea before work. And biking along the road is possible, but very dangerous. The speed limit on the main road is 35mph, but most cars travel 50-60mph. Now for comparison, my mom travels 20 miles to work and there are no connecting public transportation buses or trains to that area. The US was built to be unlivable without a car.

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

This video made me and my partner sell our car. We live so close to school and work, and public transportation is excellent here. Next step (for me) is to stop paying for public transit and use the bike 100 % of the time.

[@eveandrews2705]

hey emelie -- this makes me so happy! please let us know how it goes! also fwiw i'm still a huge public transit fan. it's generally a good idea to show your city you use it so they invest in making it even better!

[@oneguyinoregon8890]

@@eveandrews2705 That's true, but don't forget that by riding your bike it shows the city they have cyclists and they'll be more likely to improve cycling infrastructure.

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

I hope you're still at it! I am 41 and never had a car.

[@kottelkannim4919]

@@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life God, YOU are great.

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

@@kottelkannim4919 Awww, thank you so much!! And you are great!

[@Michelle-bk5uq]

I wish I lived in an area in which this was possible. Some day... Right now my commute is awful. I try to ease my conscious by the fact that my little compact car gets 40 mpg. I do like the idea of urban living where a car is not necessary, but also toy with the idea of moving to a more rural area where I could create a home that is less reliant on the 'grid' by using solar power, collecting rain water and growing more of my food. Not sure which is more eco-friendly.

[@Grist]

Yeah, a lot of places don't make living smart easy. The dilemma you mention reminds me of a story my colleague, Amelia Urry wrote: grist.org/climate-energy/welcome-to-paradise-batteries-now-included/ Basically, Luke tried to live off-grid and realized it made more sense to switch to living back on the grid because of the renewable energy storage improvements the island was making. It's a really unique situation, but perhaps you might be able to pull some informative pieces from his experience.

[@HiFiInsider]

sadly, I live in an area with bad public transit system. The car I now own is likely my last though.

[@Pseudynom]

I fucking HATE haveing to search for a parking spot. I don't have to do that with my bike. I can "park" pretty much everywhere.

[@traceford4904]

I've been living without a car for 9 years and as someone lives in the south I gotta say that it genuinely sucks.

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

Yep. I am 41/F never owned a car. Never got my license. Live by myself so pay own rent. First lived in Florida (which is easier to live without a car in many places) but now live in Winston-Salem, NC, which is hard. I hope to one day get out of Winston and move somewhere more walkable because I have a mental block towards getting a car. Plus I can't afford it. But Uber is expensive too unless you just walk to work (which I used to do that until a few years ago). Good luck and God bless.

[@Ira06002]

We own 2 cars but I am becoming more “car lite” which I’m more happier and physically fit. Remember about 43% of your trips are within 5 miles of your house.

[@henrikbakke158]

Not having a car saves you money and the environment.

[@topofthegreen]

I gave up my car, and ride my bike to my Amazon warehouse job, im in better physical shape and less stressed. I went from loving driving, to not missing it, and I as well save over $10,000 a year by not having a car, its nice having money to do things.

[@knotshardly1036]

Watching this video is a treat. After working as a bicycle messenger in 1980 and experience the benefits of living car-free I began trying to share these benefits with my peers. It seemed important to teach my generations children about the cost of car dependency and the benefits of living a less car dependent lifestyle through the use of Human Powered Vehicles. It good to see some of them figured it out on their own. Replacing trips in cars with trips using a bicycle gives you transportation for the cost of maintaining a healthy body. And it makes maintaining a healthy body a side effect of your transportation. These benefits really count if you live car-free throughout life. I just become a senior and my wife is 58. We have been car-free for over a decade. We are saving even more money in medical care cost and a huge amount of time wasted in doctors office waiting rooms. Being car-free put us in the top percentage of most active and healthy in our age group.

[@deadlybananas]

Great video. I have an old car that's paid off that I use to commute 18 miles to work. Gas costs me $120 per month on average. September it needed maintenance which cost an additional $90. On top of this I spend about 4 1/2 hours per week in my car commuting... Trying to figure out if I should move closer to work or switch jobs and work closer to home. Money, stress, environmental effects... I gotta take action.

[@zembu]

What does insurance cost? Also, depreciation? And maintenance is going to cost more and more as time goes on (and possibly pop up at the worst times).4.5 hours/week in a 50 work-week year = TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE HOURS!

[@stylej12]

Definitely look into moving closer to work. Not sure if you're open to having roommates, but that would help financially and it will be an experience!

[@djkenny1202]

I drive 3000 miles a year and own a paid for car that was $9000 and 7 years old. I just keep it. 20 years, $1500 in repairs.. honestly? Im happy with my full coverage low mileage insurance. Somedays are 20 degrees and high wind chill. 3000 miles a year, I am happy it’s available! I Bike 50% of the time.

[@SparxableTunes]

Your videos are dope, super pragmatic with a little bit of theorizing. Anywho I sold my car 5 years ago, I have yet to miss it and I've life has been on a discernible uphill climb ever since. Cheers m8

[@Grist]

Hey, for the kind words Yoshi. Glad getting rid of your car worked out for you too

[@Phillydreaming]

I moved to a walkable city this year and its been an absolute blast being able to get around so easily compared to my old, sprawled out home state. Ironically I got my first drivers license in this new walkable state, hah...

[@JffCmpbll]

I was really enjoying the video until you made it sound as if having a kid was a good reason to be car dependent. Kids get a lot of benefit from not relying on a car for transport such as exercise and indepence.

[@namastenaptural6134]

I’m late, but this is so true!!! I was catching the metro (public transportation) by myself at 10! And would also meet up with cousins half way to go to our grandmas. Not a car in sight!

[@ooievaar6756]

it is about 4-5 miles from your old (bigger) place. In Europe we would just cycle that. In Holland I never had a car (Den Haag 550.000 population, but only 100km2 - so small) because you get stuck everywhere. Good idea from you ! The 2nd benefit is that when you go into a shop, or anywhere no parking money, searching where the car is..., speed tickets, maintenance etc. I have a small motorbike though. Sometimes that is handy, rest I allways cycle. When my kids where around i had a car though, now theyre gone, the car went out again

[@Irisshu-q7f]

Thank you for your heartfelt words! I'm actually a Portuguese international student from UBC currently in the final year of my Master's degree, having lived in Vancouver and Kamloops. Although Kamloops is a small city, it is not bad, and the shopping bus can also meet the demand. I currently live in the neighborhood of Dubar and I would say that the upgraded Vancouver public transit system is great! I own a Camry and have a Class 5 license the year before, but I often have to deal with super congestion nightmares! I don't drive very much at the moment, I cycle and hike a lot and use public transportation. BTW: The ICBC examiner for my level 7 road test was really rude and ridiculous, but my level 5 road test examiner was awesome! In the powerful and big ICBC, they really have the ability to ruin your life and life plan (my Chinese roommate was unlucky to fail the road test four times before getting his driver's license). Objectively, it still depends on your personal needs (I'm not criticizing any driver), but "you have a car, you have to drive" is not a reason to morally kidnap and ridicule other people.

[@KJSvitko]

The Climate Crisis needs Climate Action. Ride a bicycle to work, school or for fun. If you need a car buy an electric BEV vehicle. No emissions transportation options.

[@chroma6947]

Shame they cost so much upfront, elon needs to spend more time on cars and less time on getting to mars. We need to heal our planet instead of going and ruining other planets.

[@KJSvitko]

@@chroma6947 Things like the mega casting are being done in order to reduce cost and complexity of building cars. Tesla will reduce prices as they get more efficient. They are already the best value all electric vehicle. If the price is still too high you can look at used electric vehicles. Some have great value for money.

[@fylgjafolk6803]

About to move to VA and I’ve been on the edge of my seat about going car free and biking because one the environment and two the costs and upkeep of a car.

[@dansharp8515]

Where in VA you can live without a car?

[@howdontanalytics6158]

living in Seattle without a car. Totally doable and happy. But hard to find a date.

[@newadventure5609]

I’ve never owned a car in my life! I’ve honestly never felt the need to have one, as I enjoy walking and all the stores I need are close by. If I need to travel any lengthy distance, I just take an Uber. No stress and no unnecessary expenses.

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

I am 41 and never owned one.

[@t.terrell7037]

But doesn’t all the Uber costs add up?

[@AA-yc9dq]

@@t.terrell7037 Um not nearly as much as a car?? My car has been paid off since September 2020. Insurance is 1500/year, gas $60-70 twice a month, oil change and maintenance cost me anywhere from $200-$1000. Registration 120/year. $40 a week just to park at my job. Parking garage at apartments in the city is $200-275. That is over $5000 a year. And remember i said I PAID OFF my car. Most people never do, they just keep trading/buying/leasing newer cars. So the average person is spending way more. Who TF is spending $5k-9k a year on UBER?? Nobody. Especially people who live in urban areas.

[@mrhades6420]

I used to ride my bike to work and it was fun at first but it got boring because I'm riding it to work and I couldn't ride it anywhere else because my job is heavy, even during my days off all I wanted to do is rest. when I bought myself a car I get to sleep more and relax heading home.

[@timuk7033]

I now use my bike and train ...its ok in summer in the uk but its goin to be hard in winter ...btw nice video

[@castingcauldron6578]

After my youngest moved away I realized that my car was costing me more money than I was able to really put into it. I needed to rebuild my credit and did not have any money left over to even open a secured credit card. When Progressive sent Lyft to pick me up to get my car which was once again in the shop I knew that I had options. I started walking and started feeling stronger and sleeping better. My expenses being reduced I have more time to pursue other interests. I sold my house and moved into an apartment across from shopping and grocery and a beautiful Park where I can take a long leisurely walk. I spent way too much time in my car. 🥰

[@FGH9G]

2:46 You have Office Space AND Falling Down?! FALLING DOWN??!! Displayed side by side???!!! 🤩🤩 Holy hell I admire your taste in movies!

[@therealpinkyskull]

I wish I lived in a city where I could ride my bikes everywhere!! I’m in California so work, my daughters school and everything else is just too far to not drive but maybe one day! Your car was a Subaru? Those are great cars so I’m surprised you needed so many repairs. Great Chanel! I just discovered you, I’ll sub immediately.

[@LoveToday8]

It looked more like a Mazda to me. I can see how it can be confused with a Subaru though!

[@robertoayala809]

@@LoveToday8 yes. It looked like a Mazda protege.

[@jasminewhitehead1752]

I’m definitely trying to get rid of my car. I live in shepherdsville, KY. I have almost everything I need near me and the farthest thing from me is my job. (10 minutes by car.) I really want to get to rid of this car. It’s so stressful. I’m not sure if I should move or what.

[@s0nicfreak]

10 minutes by car, it's probably less than 10 miles away right? Get a bike! No need to move. You can build up the stamina to bike to work and back in a couple of weeks.

[@neemapaxima6116]

A few days ago I was involved in a chain accident on a highway. I have had enough, I'm selling my car cause my mental health is on a downhill.

[@howtobebasic2122]

my car broke down a few months ago and i haven't been able to get a new one :(

[@service-bossman]

You are very funny, keep making a lovely videos like this. Keep it up !!!!

[@smokegames1179]

Thats why i have two ebikes with the pandemic now it makes a lot of sense

[@glebolas007]

Was it a Pontiac vibe? I'm dreaming of getting rid of mine as well, but unfortunately my city (Raleigh) is a suburban hell with no public transit.

[@Grist]

So I messaged Eve and this was her response: drive.google.com/file/d/1WBjENc6KIQxGAXAVPRR0P9h05Gj74qL4/view?usp=sharing

[@glebolas007]

@@Grist Haha, lol good riddance anyway! :D

[@apassmore9872]

I really want a Veemo. Sadly, they're not publicly available yet.

[@julianvargas5951]

I sold my car last month, no regrets. Getting back on the bike soon.

[@joe_zupko]

I have the same car in white, except mine's a rust bucket from NJ hahaha Trying to figure out how to drive less, but live in a slightly suburban area that isn't bike friendly :(

[@TheMensRoom2024]

I live in the city of Chicago. I work in the suburb of Chicago. I can ride my bike and take public transportation. I had a car but I did a voluntary repo because I fell on some Financial hard times. Some things without a car are difficult but overall it's not that bad

[@KJSvitko]

Bicycles, ebikes, electric cargo bicycles, robo taxis and escooters are great options for last mile, short distance travel. Cities need to do more to encourage people to ride bicycles by providing SAFE, PROTECTED BIKE LANES and trails. Every adult and child should own a bicycle and ride it regularly. Bicycles are healthy exercise and fossil fuels free transportation. Electric bicycles are bringing many older adults back to cycling. Ride to work, ride to school, ride for health or ride for fun. Children should be able to ride a bicycle to school without having to dodge cars and trucks. Separated and protected bike lanes are required. It will also make the roads safer for automobile drivers. Transportation planners and elected officials need to encourage people to walk, bike and take public transportation. Healthy exercise and fossil fuels free transportation. In the future cities will be redesigned for people not cars. Crazy big parking lots will be transformed.

[@axishull]

Hilarious video x I'm just about to give my car back to the lease co and strongly considering going car free - are you still car free?

[@Teapot-Dave]

Are you still carfree? Our old family car has just been patched-up for the last time; when it goes next time it goes for good because it is getting to be an expensive liability. I prefer to cycle anyway.

[@lavidawithjoey]

This video has so much potential but a lot of the content in it comes off as non-relatable. The idea presented in this video is clear and anyone with the ability to think objectively would be able to comprehend the message. However, the user experience lacks a general "this applies to anyone" feel as Shelly is a unique individual. Not Just Bikes and Propel are (IMO) great examples of how to slightly tweak your approach to apply your message in a more effective manner to a larger audience. I support the message in this video and I still didn't feel connected to it. I'd guess that a reason why the video has lower (still very respectable) views compared to two of the channels mentioned. Still great work!

[@jordangagat]

Im 32 years old stilo no car 😢

[@Hoolyrical]

The future is a city with low emission vehicles and an excellent public transportation system. With these things combined emissions will be reduced.

[@chroma6947]

WE should put all into public transport, public transport reduces anxiety as you have to deal with people. No wonder people suffer from it nowadays, too much alone time can do that :(

[@Idlehands13]

I am 36 never owned a car due to living in cities but then I moved to a place where there were no transportation at all, I bought a scooter. Now, I live in a city where there is transportation but it kinda sucks so I walk everywhere most of the time. I don’t know if I will ever have a car🙄

[@danielarrington6387]

My girlfriend takes the bus ubers and walks everywhere it fascinated me with the benifits i love to skateboard and bike i think i could do it if i had to and saving money ! 👍

[@crimsonhermit]

🥳 One Less Car

[@micosstar]

1:01 ayo that's a w for bikes!

[@batyushki]

We had two cars, I sold the one 8 years ago and at the time estimated a savings of $6,000 per year as a result. That will only have gone up with inflation. So by this point I have saved more than $55,000 by not having a car. Nov having a car has also created a lot of the positive benefits you describe. Highly recommended.

[@st.paulmn9159]

I have tight hips from sitting in cars Internal rotators are worse than hip flexors

[@noelgibson5956]

In Australia where i live , you've only got to leave your driveway and take to the road......and you've probably broken some useless law. . They make speed limits well below conditions so your more likely to be fined. Even when you obey road rules , your robbed to death in other ways..... rego, tollways and two separate insurance payments which are mandatory, at least in my state. Then you can't park anywhere.....and most main roads are a bloody carpark during peak hour. And thats BEFORE you get to basic purchase, maintenance and depreciation costs. It begs the question........WHY BOTHER?! If you live in a major city and aren't married with kids , trust me.......you DON'T need one. You will save massive amounts of money, that can go towards home repairs, new furniture or an overseas trip. You will NEVER struggle to pay bills again. Cars are getting more and more characterless , and many will be driverless soon. Hardly something you'd take pride in owning. I've never owned a car or had a license. How much have i saved in 30 years as a result? Think about it.

[@noelgibson5956]

@Fanny G Without a car, you'll feel freer than you ever did when owning one. You'll have........money! Good luck!

[@aNaturalist]

I really want o go car free. I own my own small business in a service industry and love agriculture. Going car free is something I have still always wanted. It's a conflicting issue for me.

[@WingsOfDomesticViolence]

Do you voice the cartoon "Bob's Burgers"?

[@MrLoukato]

I may do this if I ever live in a city. For now, I live in a rural area. The nearest town for me is a good 30 minute drive. That on a bike would be crazy.

[@prairietan]

Great. Try living in Canada.

[@morefifacollege8971]

We keep fit, when we don't have a car!

[@AA-yc9dq]

Yup. Look at the average American person living in Seattle vs one in Houston. It’s not just our diets.

[@FiletCris]

ja but you live in chicago

[@slothgirl2107]

My electric wheelchair is my car😂 it goes pretty fast and has a 16 mile range

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

cool me to since 1992

[@frederik_brugge1627]

Thx for the post

[@micosstar]

came from youtube recommend

[@QuestenEnjoysLife]

I know that shrimp stand 😂

[@AlanAvis]

It would be nice, but when you live in the country, you can't really go anywhere without a car.

[@robertadams1327]

People have been carmitised save me from carmegeddon ' go do some CARdio

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

Um, a household’s biggest source of emissions is their diet if they eat meat

[@agenrisco2606]

Im Almost 21 and dont have one

[@sigmasiren777]

That's still very young. You'll be fine.

[@krissifadwa]

02:43

[@unclerat2131]

I haven't owned a car in thirty years. Maybe I should make a video about how amazing I am for not doing something that people have not been doing for most of history.

[@s0nicfreak]

Yes, do it! So many people are convinced a car is essential. We need more people showing proof it is possible to live without a car.

[@timothymuldoon]

Is this gal related to Kristen Schaal?

[@zt.4756]

teslas be like : am i a joke to you

[@TalwinderDhillonTravels]

So you didn’t have enough money to fix your car?

[@OwenRULESSS]

Ban cars

[@Oceansandvineyards4752]

I love my car! I love driving. I will never give up my car or driving

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

Mia!!!

[@porterpeterson9145]

Watching this video makes me want to buy another car...

[@FuturesTraderMorales]

Cute girl aye. But u talk in a funny way moving your head from one extreme to the other lol be my girlfriend?

[@1232bluejays]

If you bought a Toyota repairs would be next to nothing and very fuel efficient

[@LoveToday8]

Even a Prius still adds carbon to the atmosphere. That being said, I have been car free for a few years and I am considering buying a Prius to cut down on my air travel. Sure traveling by car takes much longer but traveling by plane adds so much carbon to the atmosphere.

[@thetonycam3944]

You'd be horrified to know how much fossil fuel to manufacture bike frames and rubber for tires by the hundreds of thousands. There's no winning 😢

[@Valdore1000]

What about just fucking walk right? I am 36 and needed car like 3 times.

[@decentar9712]

@@Valdore1000 not at cities like Dallas or Houston

[@StreetcarHammock]

No one could be an environmentalist with such strict standards. Replacing car use with bike use reduces emissions over 90% and that is good enough.