Zipcar launched the 2009 Low-car Diet program on July 15 when enthusiasts from all 13 Zipcar cities in the United States, Canada and England were invited to give up their car for one month. The results of this year’s program in which more than 250 people participated have just been announced by Zipcar.
"Once again, the Low Car Diet results emphasize our mission to enable simple and responsible urban living," said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "We congratulate this year's Low-Car Dieters and honor their ability to apply a 'smart consumption' mindset to their daily lives - ultimately impacting their own wallets, health and communities."
The key findings from this year's 2009 Low-Car Diet include:
Economic Impact
Environmental Impact
Health Benefits
- Respondents spent 67% less on vehicle-related costs compared to the previous month when they were driving their personally owned cars
Environmental Impact
- 59% of the participants reported that the Low-Car Diet encouraged them to make other environmentally friendly changes in their life such as recycling, eating more organic foods and reducing their at-home energy usage
- Participants took 74% fewer trips by car and reduced overall vehicle miles traveled by 66%
- Low-Car Dieters also doubled their public transit ridership with a 98% increased use of public transportation
Health Benefits
- Participants walked 93% more and biked 132% more, logging a combined total of 8,060 miles by bike during the Low-Car Diet month
- 47% Low-Car Dieters reported losing weight; a total amount of 413 pounds were lost during the program
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