Would You (...or COULD YOU) Go Car Free For One Day?

Cars have become such an integral part of our lives, particularly in cities like Los Angeles where it's virtually impossible to navigate without them. With that being said, is it possible to take a one day moratorium on driving, no matter what part of the country we live in? That doesn't seem like a lot to ask -- just a small sacrifice on behalf of Mother Nature. Lots of other cities around the world have tried it with great success and the list of benefits are sizable, including:

• one pound of carbon dioxide saved for every mile you don't drive
• reduce pollution
• save energy
• no fossil fuels used
• no expense at the gas station
• ease road congestion
• no wear and tear on your car
• full body exercise if you choose to hoof or bike it
• no carbon footprints left behind
• set a great example for your children

Would you be willing to make it a once-a-week habit like Meat Free Mondays? What if I were to take it one step further and suggest that all of us try to live in a car-free state of bliss for the rest of our days? Would it be feasible for you, taking into consideration your proximity to work, your children's school, local amenities, etc.?

One German town -- Vauban, a suburb of the university town of Freiburg -- has chosen to become an entirely car-free zone. On purpose. The community of 5,300 uses a tram (located 15 minutes away), a bicycle or their own two legs to reach their desired destinations. Those who choose to hang onto their vehicles are required to pay a 20,000.00 EUR ($28,463.53 USD) fee for a garage space on the outskirts of the town. Cars are entirely banned from the city limits in favor of cyclists and pedestrians who are entitled to navigate the streets freely. Vauban's environmental commitment, from their alternate modes of transportation and solar powered homes to composted waste and greywater reclaimation systems have earned them the distinction of being one of the greenest European cities and a blueprint of how all of us should live in the near future. But, sometimes they say that baby steps enable ideas to become lifestyle changes. So, what are your thoughts? Are you willing to hand over your keys, even just once a week? Do you think that this effort could make a real difference?