How do 'walkable' communities help us live a greener lifestyle?

Question

it's healthy for us to walk.
how is it also healthy for the earth?

what does a 'walkable community' encourage geographically? socially? ecologically?

Answer 1

Yes a walkable community is definitely greener and healthier for the earth and mankind. Walking allows and encourages interaction between people, something impossible with the speed and isolation of our separately compartmentalised automobiles. Ecologically there is not the use of endangered resources or generation of pollution. There is more contact with the immediacy of our environment. Geographically and economically it encourages the use and development of smaller centres of commerce instead of malls with massive parking lots, increasing the number of jobs within a community and retention of capital (for every dollar spent within a local community, eight are generated). Walking is heart healthy, decreasing healthcare costs. Without as many cars and roads and necessary parking spaces there is more space for trees and oases where benches may be placed for respite. Earth and people alike benefit. Population localises to more central and manageable communities, rather than urban and suburban sprawl that eats up good farmland.

Answer 2

I think those who believe recycling is actually doing any good is mistaken; although the efforts of all are admirable. The facts are that to reuse materials that are recycled cost companies more than to just put out 'new'. Most of what we put in recycle bins ends up in our landfills; I have personal testimony on this from someone who works in this department. The recycle bins are set up more to appease people into thinking they're doing something good than anything else. As consumers, we need to demand 'greener' packaging; packaging that isn't oversized. If everyone start shopping with canvas totes it would save a LOT of plastic going to the landfills or paper. We need to support the companies that are taking more efficient steps to operating greener.

Answer 3

Walkable community is good for both the person as well as our earth.

When we walk we do not use vehicles burning fossile fuel. No fossil fuel means less pollution and this will certainly help.

Answer 4

In theory.. if the community is "walkable" that means you don't have to DRIVE.

Not driving = not burning the fossil fuel

But... you can bet that lazy people will drive 1 block to avoid walking.

How do you think people get fat? Its not by walking in preference over driving.

Answer 5

Imagine--you are not only helping the environment but you are obtaining a healthier body! Walking cities are cleaner --- fewer emissions--the air is healthier, the streets are cleaner.

I once lived in a town in Tachikawa, Japan--that was an experimental city. One square mile of the center core was constructed of art by famous artists like Oldenberg in place of every vent, bench, manhole cover etc, some made of recycled materials. It was a walking city. Not only did you walk everywhere but it was beautiful, spotless and made your day playful!

This is a perfect world!

Answer 6

A walkable community encourages:
Geographically....encourages people to shop in their own community.
Socially....encourages people to see the same people often and maybe they will say "Hi" to each other.
Ecologically.....saves gas because we don't drive our cars as much.

Answer 7

Less driving means less fuel used and less car exhaust. Also, less traffic means less money on paved roads and more green space. Less paved roads means less pollution produced making the asphalt and less polluted runoff.

Answer 8

dah, you are not poluting the air driving your car around

Answer 9

By walking we don't use fueled energy.

Answer 10

no gases are release in the air