HOURCAR + The Wedge = Cleaner Air

The Wedge community is full of thoughtful environmentalists. When it comes to air quality, we know that we can do simple things to make a difference, like using non-toxic cleaning products and monitoring our energy use at home. Another choice we make has a significant impact on the air we breathe - the choice of how we get around. We can eliminate unnecessary car travel by carpooling, taking transit, riding our bikes, walking and running multiple errands with one trip. You know Wedge shoppers take this to heart when you see a line of bikes parked outside the store on the coldest days of winter!

A convenient way to eliminate unnecessary car travel is through HOURCAR car-sharing, which is also available at the Wedge.

HOURCAR members can use a shared car for trips when a car is necessary, and use transit, bicycling or walking for all other trips. Studies have shown that the use of one shared car can eliminate the need for several personally-owned cars. More transit use, plus the drop in overall car use by car-sharers, results in significantly decreased global warming emissions.

HOURCAR, the Twin Cities' first car-sharing organization, goes a step further when it comes to safeguarding air quality. HOURCAR's signature vehicle is the Toyota Prius, the much-acclaimed hybrid car with excellent fuel efficiency and comparatively low emissions.

HOURCAR members at the Wedge are reserving sleek new Priuses by the hour to run errands around town efficiently, rather than buying cars and paying thousands of dollars for them each year.

For more information on HOURCAR hub locations, member qualifications or to join online, please visit www.HOURCAR.org.

HOURCAR is a program of the nonprofit Neighborhood Energy Connection, whose mission is to reduce pollution, conserve resources and improve quality of life by offering tools for energy-efficient living.