Drive Green With AAA

Drive Green in 2009 Through AAA

My family has a AAA (American Automobile Association) membership, which is a wise annual investment, by the way!  In a single year, we had my car towed 3 times due to its age and continual breakdowns.  Aside from free towing, you can also enjoy discounts at many travel accommodations, restaurants and car rental agencies.

But, I’m not here to sell you on AAA.  I am excited about the new Drive Green program offered to AAA Oregon/Idaho members (yours truly included).

By purchasing the optional Drive Green package through AAA, members can help cut down on global warming emissions by supporting renewable wind energy development.  Drive Green provides a link to the carbon offset program established by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a non-profit organization.  Using carbon offsets, coal-generated electricity and gas can be replaced by clean wind energy.

Clean, green wind energy through the Drive Green program

How does it work?  Quite simply!  For only about $25 a year, AAA motorists can offset the CO2 impact of driving 5,000 miles.  Don’t think that 5,000 miles is enough?  Purchase another block of 5,000 miles of carbon offsets for only $18.50!

Its quite a small investment if you think about it.  Many of us will drop $25.00 in an evening just for a fast food dinner for 4.  Not only can you feel a lot better (mentally and physically) by participating in Drive Green, but you can also get a window sticker for your car to show your participation in the program.  AAA will even throw in a reusable canvas shopping bag.

But wait – there’s more!  As a Drive Green member, you are eligible for a 30% discount on “greening” your home or business through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.  You can also sign up for the Drive Green newsletter, which includes lots of other green tips.

Dave Carlson of AAA explains why you should consider signing up:

“Well, it’s more than a charity because with a charity you never quite know where the funds are going.  We’ve been working with the Bonneville Energy Administration, a non-profit group, out of Portland that has for years been trying to come up with ways to repair watersheds in that region or introduce new power sources again like wind and solar.”

If going green is a New Year’s resolution for you in 2009, AAA gives you a simple, easy way to start.  Who’s with me?  I am going to Drive Green this year!  Are you?