What are the benefits of living without car?

15/8/2020

I was wondering about the increased pollution levels in Delhi/NCR for the last few days and thinking what could be the possible ways which we should adopt at the individual levels to bring down the CO₂ levels in the state.

The fresh air is the life supporting system for all the living beings on the earth and if it deteriorates beyond certain level then no money can repair it.

This is a warning signal for us we should take some steps now lest face the consequences in the near future.

A green example

Recently, I had interaction with one of my customers whom I sold the solar feasibility spreadsheet.

He is very environment conscious and leading a green lifestyle, like using solar energy to meet his energy needs and making all possible efforts to save and preserve the environment, for the last so many years.

I thought leaving the comfort of the car could be one more step closer towards preserving the environment.

My thought of adopting car-less lifestyle require some changes in my daily routine like starting my day 30 minutes before my usual routine as I have to commute using public transport, sharing or pooling a car, going on foot to the nearby places or make an arrangement to work from home once in a week so as reduce the carbon footprints.

The CO₂ emmisions

On an average, the India car emits 10 grams of CO₂ per km along with other harmful gases like NO₂, SO₂, and the carbon-mono-oxide.

The bumpy Indian roads require higher ground clearance, leading to the less aerodynamic design of the car.

The low quality of fuel further deteriorates the efficiency of the car. My car-less lifestyle could reduce the CO₂ emissions by 18,000 grams every year.

Benefits of going car-less

Along with that, there are many health and the financial benefits associated with this lifestyle.

First, by not buying a car I am actually becoming financially rich (How to realize your financial goal: A guide for the beginners).

Do you have an idea what you are going to pay when you buy a new vehicle?

You pay on an average Rs. 4,00,000 to buy a medium segment car and you are going to use it at least for another 5 years. The maintenance cost along with the fuel is around 10% per year of the total cost of the car which is around 40,000 per year totaling to Rs. 6,40,000 in the 5 years. Here, I have not included the amortization cost, interest rates, and the taxes.
If an average person deposits the amount of Rs. 7,000 every month instead of paying an EMI. The amount will become enough to support your retirement. This amount will become more than 25 lakhs in the 20 years giving more comfort and the cushion to your retirement.
Using the car leads to the sedentary lifestyle, aggravating health related problems like Diabetes, Heart stroke, High blood pressure and many more innumerable diseases which one has never heard before. In other words, by not using a car I am to some extent saving on my medical expenses by doing most of my daily activities manually.
By not using car, you are preserving the environment by reducing the carbon-di-oxide emissions.

My point of view

One may choose alternatives like use battery operated vehicles for personal use which do not pollute the environment or using a bicycle for your personal commuting can also be one of the cheapest alternatives.

Thinking of a green car could be a costly affair for me; therefore using my muscles instead of showing dexterity in driving the car is the best feasible option for me.

The saved amount otherwise spent on buying the car can be used to secure my retirement.

Although, it looks nice and shows the status symbol when you own and drive a car but remaining healthy and retiring as a millionaire is far better than showing the fake status symbol.

I think I need to seriously consider this option of living life without a car.

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