This fall, Stony Brook University has adopted a new method of greener transportation with “Zipcar”. “Zipcar” is a car sharing program that allows an organization to offer cars for reservation to its members. Each car can be reserved for a few hours at $7.50 per hour or $69 per day. This includes the insurance, gas, and driving wear.
Stony Brook is a prime location for “Zipcar” since it is so removed from the neighboring communities and it is such a hassle for the students to get off campus. Most students who live on campus still feel the need to own a car in order to carry on day to day activities such as buying groceries, going out, etc. It is hard to call Stony Brook sustainable if it can’t sustain itself by providing access to daily necessities without the need for private transportation. However, the road to changing that would be full of expensive and time consuming obstacles.
“Zipcar” provides another option for students or faculty members who may need a car every once in a while. Since the “Zipcars” run on regular gas, the benefits are not as obvious as other options, but they are greatly important to this campus. For example, one “Zipcar” can replace many individually owned cars which opens up parking spaces and clears some of the congestion. Additionally, the limited time of each reservation promotes local driving and less gas used overall.
To find out more about Stony Brook University’s Sustainable Facilities and Services click here.
Atlantic Youth Environmental Council 