The Future of Climate-Friendly Commuting Is Here

Imagine for a moment a future in which we’ve taken decisive climate action to roll back carbon emissions. A future in which our global economy operates in balance with Mother Nature’s capabilities to sustain it. A future that runs on clean energy.

Now, let’s say that in this triumphant future you’re in the market for a new car. You visit the car dealership. In your mind’s eye, what kinds of cars do you see displayed on the showroom floor and spread out across the dealer lot?

I have a hunch that every car there is an electric vehicle. And I suspect that all of these battery-powered electric vehicles come in different shapes, styles, and colors, and offer all sorts of distinct features, much like cars and trucks do today.

I would also venture that in this future where climate change is receding in the rear view mirror, we’ll probably decide which car to get based on the same criteria we use to make that decision today. We’ll get the one that fits our style, budget, and performance criteria.

The fundamental difference though will be that in this future every single car at the dealership will be an eco-friendly product, a planetary hero, a sustainable choice. In other words, a climate change solution. Going green and living sustainably will be the default setting for everything. Every consumer choice we make when deciding what to drive, eat, and wear will be aligned with a cleaner planet.

Can it be done? I believe it can. And I believe we all have a vital role to play in making it a reality. That’s the subject of my podcast this week and next week.

But we don’t have to wait for that world to exist – meaning for sustainable products to become the default setting of our entire way of life – for us to make those exact kinds of choices today.

Whether you go by bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or even by foot, innovation is underway right now to vastly lower your environmental impact while increasing the delight quotient of your daily commute and mundane tasks.

Here’s what I mean:

Bicycles

Two delightful inventions distinguish the 21st century bicycle from its predecessors: puncture-proof tires and grease-free chains. A case of mild anxiety used to accompany me whenever I rode my bike for fear of getting a flat tire and being exposed as a grownup who still doesn’t know how to change one. Puncture-proof tires make that fear a thing of the past.

Greaseless bike chains offer a similar type of anxiety-alleviating palliative. I no longer have to worry about getting grease on my pant leg while pedaling or having the chain fall off and getting grease all over my hands, face, and everywhere else while wrestling it back into place. One bicycle brand that offers both solutions on their sleek and affordable bikes is Priority Bikes (pictured above).

scooters

E-scooters have taken over cities throughout the world where they are rentable by the minute. But if you want one of your own that is sleek, futuristic, and impeccably designed then check out Unagi (pictured above). It quickly folks so you can easily take it on the subway and stow it at work.

Vespa, the legendary Italian scooter brand, renowned for its refined style, now offers an electric-powered model, the aptly named Eletricca.

motorcycles

Harley-Davidson, perhaps the most iconic of all American brands, is also entering the electric-powered transportation future. You can ride into that future with them. Its first-ever electric-powered motorcycle is called LiveWire.

cars

Teslas are in a climate change solution class all by themselves because they merge the most fun driving experience of nearly any car available today with beautiful design, state-of-the-art technology, and a fair price for the value. Above all, Teslas demonstrate how sustainable choices can outperform the conventional, status quo choices and to do right by the planet while elevating our enjoyment of life. Pictured above is the Tesla’s Model 3.

shoes made for walking

Should you choose to forgo wheels and stick to your own two feet to get around, you’re going to want a comfortable pair of walking shoes. The good news is the most comfortable shoes in the world are also quite possibly the most sustainable (think natural materials like uppers made of wool and insoles made of, yes, sugarcane). I’m talking about AllBirds and specifically, the Wool Runner-Up Mizzles (pictured above). Warm, cozy, and water-resistant to boot, these are my go-to for fall and winter.

Special Thanks To: This post is sponsored by Lazy Environmentalist, your go-to resource for stylish and well-designed products that elevate your sustainable lifestyle and minimize your impact. Lazy Environmentalist introduces you to cutting-edge sustainable brands and visionary designers who believe style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.