Conservation idea of the month: errand sharing

As I was going out Saturday to pick up some paint, paint thinner, nails, and eggs, I thought about the fact that someone else could probably do the same thing for me while they were out and about doing something else, too.

At least the eggs.

That made me think about whether or not some of these tasks could be shared with other neighbors. Fortunately, I had to get a few things at the same time; if I just needed eggs, I'd feel kind of silly going the normal 14 mile round trip to get them. And occasionally the neighbors and I have cooperated to get some things at the commercial hub of the county, but nothing's organized.

I also thought about more congested localities, which I see frequently while on my long-term commuting stints near Baltimore. Congestion in this case could pay off, where neighborhoods could organize by email or blog or Facebook; people could put up a message about something they needed, and someone else could volunteer to get it. Slip them a buck for saving time and gas, and this would go well.

I think what would make this type of thing more likely to happen would be a significant rise in gas prices. The Gulf oil spill doesn't appear to have caused any price shocks (after all, it's just one very, very, very, messy situation), but other events could -- at any time -- suddenly precipitate a big price shock.

There are some examples of this type of thing; I've listed a few below.

City, suburban designs could be bad for your health

"For decades, cities, towns and suburbs have been developed on the assumption that every trip will be made by car. That has all but eliminated walking from daily life for people in most parts of the country. Americans make fewer than 6% of their daily trips on foot, according to studies by the Federal Highway Administration.

Three-quarters of short trips, a mile or less, are made by car, federal studies show."

West Marin Commons: Networks for Sharing and Exchange (check out the Over the Hill Gang)

Hard Times Jobs (under Neighborhoods)

"Share Errands – Check with neighbors to see if you can carpool on errand trips around town or to a neighboring city. It’s possible also to do errands for neighbors and have them return the favor for you at another time. You’ll all save on time and gasoline money."

Time management tips: organizing errands

"SHARE ERRANDS: Chances are you frequently bump into your neighbors at the grocery store, or use the same dry cleaners as your friend. Talk to your near-by neighbors and friends, and tell them that you would be willing to call them and let them know when you are going to the store (dry cleaners, post office) in case they need you to pick up or drop off anything. Ask if they would do the same for you, telling them it could save both of you the time and the trip if you work together."

So maybe it's not the most novel idea. Maybe it's just an idea that deserves wider implementation. Start the revolution at home.