Zipcar Low-Car Diet Begins in September

The third annual Low-Car Diet campaign (wacky name, we know) organized by car sharing company Zipcar begins in September 14, as yet another way to popularize this new means of transportation. The Low-Car Diet doesn't mean you can no longer eat cars (thank God, you still can), but it tries to convince as many people as possible to give up their cars for a month.

Their cars, that is, and not those of Zipcar. If you choose to take up the diet, the company will give you a Zipcar membership and other unnamed incentives. Last year, 252 people took part in the program and chose to travel by foot, by bike or by any other means but by car. The results? The 252 people lost a total of 413 pounds (187 kg).

"Low-Car Diet has made lasting changes in my life because it makes me think twice before driving a car," said Mara Unterberger, one of the participants to last year's event.

"I still consider if there is another way to get to my destination involving walking or public transit but I find that Zipcar is an easy, affordable and convenient alternative to driving."

Now, Zipcar says it is doing this because it wants to help. According to Scott Griffith, Zipcar CEO, Americans spend 19 percent of their income on transportation. On transportation using their own car, that is.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with using a Zipcar... car.

"This year's Low-Car Diet asks drivers to experience Zipcar and the concept of car sharing for what it really is - a way of life - and we hope participants realize what our 400,000 members already have: you can have all the freedom and benefits of car ownership without the expense or headaches of owning a car," the CEO says.