How To Reduce Carbon Emissions

Steps Anyone Can Take Now
(such as conserving energy or starting a carbon neutral business)
by Larry Lagarde

With world leaders now meeting in Copenhagen to craft a global carbon emissions accord, it should be noted that people around the world are not waiting for politicians to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As awareness continues to grow of the consequences of global climate change, individuals are finding ways to cut their own fossil fuel use. Some are conserving - turning down thermostats on heaters, turning off lights when they leave a room or swapping inefficient technologies for something better (like replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescents). Others are taking bigger steps that reduce more than just their own carbon footprint. Case in point: Jake's e-bike rentals.

Jake is a cyclist - entrepreneur in Australia who believes that electric drive assisted pedal bicycles (e-bikes) could be an ideal form of transportation. To test the idea, Jake is starting an e-bike rental operation with a twist.

When a customer books a rental, Jake will deliver the e-bike by riding it to his customer's location. Once he's delivered the e-bike to his customer, Jake will ride a 16" folding bike back to his office, getting some exercise, promoting his business and reducing his carbon emissions as much as possible. In fact, by providing e-bikes as transportation, Jake is giving others the opportunity to substantially cut their own emissions too.

If you're wondering how Jake intends to use a folding bicycle to deliver an e-bike, it's actually quite simple. The folding bike folds compactly, fitting within an oversized messenger style bag. The combination is light enough for Jake to sling it over his shoulder for the trip to the customer's location.

Given Jake's 6'2" build, he's likely to get some double takes from motorists as he rides the little folding bike around town. Hopefully, it will also cause these same motorists to give thought to small things they can do to reduce their own carbon footprints.

By the way, I learned about Jake's new startup when he consulted me regarding a folding bike. He purchased the Kent 6 speed folding bike because its low gears make it easier to pedal over the hills around his city.