Rick Hutchinson, CEO of City CarShare, puts the planet in the driver’s seat, and he’s on a mission to provide convenient, affordable access to cars to reduce individual car ownership.

How do you eco?

Reduce our CO2 impact through lifestyle decisions - buying locally, composting and using energy efficient lightbulbs and equipment. For transportation, we’re big users of public transit, walking and car sharing–which helps reduces CO2, traffic congestion, and the number of cars taking up space in our cities. I eco everyday by leading the Bay Area’s greenest car share organization. Since we’re a nonprofit, we charge as little as possible so our services are as affordable as possible. Our members will collectively save 25 million pounds of CO2 this year, drive 30,000 fewer miles each day and save over 1.5 million gallons of gasoline.

Why did you go eco?

Although I’ve always cared about the environment, being a parent has deepened my appreciation for the future of our planet. I want my daughters to live in a healthy world and pass on a more livable planet to the next generation. Making eco-activitities fit our lifestyle means my daughters will incorporate smart choices into how they live their lives. For them, it will be a natural and responsible way to live. It’s one of the best gifts my wife and I can give them.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

Visit a farmer’s market. Put a compost bag on your counter. If you can car share instead of owing a car, do it! You’ll save money and live a healthier lifestyle.

EcoLinks

• City CarShare
• Car Sharing