Benefits go beyond free money, say participants

A Salt Spring company aims to get more islanders out of their cars and onto their bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, walking shoes or whatever other fossil-fuel-free method of transport people can think of using.

As a way to promote more environmentally friendly ways to get around the island, the folks at Green Island Environmental will offer $50 to anyone who can go car-free for five consecutive days.

So far, half a dozen people have completed the challenge and walked away with the cash. For most, the experience proved that living without a car isn’t as dire as we might think.

Jeannie Vasilakos found that walking into town from her home just south of Ganges a few times every day helped her come to appreciate the journey as much as her destination.

Even after only five days, she and her friend Charles Buchwald felt and looked much healthier than when they started the challenge, she said.

As an added bonus, walking home from town gave her lots of time to load up on fresh blackberries picked along the trails to her house.

Those who live farther afield may prefer to take the lead from Leslie Fournier, a Salt Springer who elected to get around the island on her Motorino electric scooter.

“It works out fine as long as I remember to charge it before I leave,” Fournier said.

Though she’s driven her scooter off and on for almost a year, the five-day challenge encouraged Fournier to do a better job of planning her trips and organizing her errands.

In 2008, Green Island Environmental offered people $100 to give up their car for 30 days. The initiative generated a fair bit of interest, but organizers hope this year’s offer will attract even more participants.

“This is a way better deal,” said Philip Reece.

Reece knows the program likely won’t get people to abandon their gasoline-powered vehicles, but hopes it will reveal that jumping in the car isn’t the only way to get around.

“We’re trying to get people to not commute by car, but we need to begin with the thin edge of the wedge,” he said.

For more information on how to take part in the Green Island Environmental five-day car-free challenge, contact Reece at 250-483-5833.