Zipcar Launches 2009 Low-Car Diet Program

Urban residents are encouraged to experience the economic, environmental and health benefits of giving up their private car, through the 2009 Low-Car Diet program, launched by Zipcar, one of the biggest companies in car-sharing service.

Therefore, starting July 25, enthusiasts from all 13 Zipcar cities in the United States, Canada and England, may choose to give up their car for one month.

Instead, they will bike, walk, use public transportation, and they will also benefit from a Zipcar membership. This way, those who enroll in the program will experience a low-car and less expensive lifestyle.

"Smart consumption -- including the ability to use something without owning it -- is at the heart of Zipcar capitalism," said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar.

"We encourage people to take part in this year's Low-Car Diet challenge and experience our vision of more car sharers than car owners in cities around the globe."

According to Zipcar, a recent survey showed the average American household owns two cars and spends 19 percent of income on vehicle-related expenses. Conversely, upon joining Zipcar, 65 percent of members report selling an existing car or delaying the purchase of a new one. As a result, Zipcar members spend just 6 percent of their income on transportation-related costs.

This year’s Low-Car Diet is supported by Montague Corporation (full size folding bikes), HealthCentral (fitness experts), EverydayHealth (polls and blogs about the event).

The Low-Car Diet program was also initiated by Zipcar last year, when 58 percent of the participants said they planned to continue to live without owning a car, while 31 percent were still in doubt. Moreover, during the one-month program, participants also reduced mileage, saved fuel and even lost weight due to increased walking and biking.

So, if you are interested in benefiting the program, you can apply online here if you are a Canada or United States resident, or here for the UK.