From the Desk of Linda Civitello-Joy, CEO
Breathe California
Golden Gate Public Health Partnership

Here’s my update – on my first week on the low car diet:

MAIN IMPRESSION: This has been a major epiphany for me. IT HAS BEEN EASY getting to work and after work school or social activities using public transportation and walking!

BENEFITS: 1) walking – so far I have lost about 3 pounds! 2) I feel better! 3) I get to read on my way to and from work!

Now that I have the buses figured out – it is easy – 1 mile of walking each way, 40 minutes (if I get to the bus on time) and $1.50 per trip – which can be reduced if I get a Sam Trans pass and use Commuter Checks for pretax deduction.

My first week cost much more than need be — because I was not familiar with all the public transportation options. Now that I am familiar and will not need to call an occasional taxi --I am sure my costs will be less than $25 this week. The cost to fill my car would normally be about $48 per week.

On the downside, I have less spontaneity – especially with social life — but this will require me to improve on planning my visits with friends and family. Arriving to work feeling and looking damp from the Daly City Fog has also been a challenge — but hey — a new umbrella will solve that problem.

According to my Fitlinxx log — I walked 11.6 miles the first 7 days and burned 2,241 calories. Not bad!!! Think of all the carbon saved as well!

I’ll keep you posted.