How to Talk about Sustainable Mobility with your Family

Healthy life habits and educational activities

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Marie-Ève Lachance-Foisy

Since April 2022, Marie-Ève has been actively involved in Lab22’s core mission of promoting environmental responsibility and citizenship in Quebec high schools as an ecological transition advisor. Her career path, which began with completing a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, has opened her eyes to how deeply environmental and social issues are interconnected and the importance of our responsibility to take action. As an advisor to members of the educational community, Marie-Ève is able to combine her two main interests, nature and human relationships. She is passionate about helping people discover the profoundly rewarding experience of uniting behind a common cause.

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In Quebec, 43% of our GHG emissions come from transportation (road, air, water, rail and off-road). Road transportation alone accounts for 34% of total GHG emissions, putting it well in the lead (Government of Quebec, 2023). This is why we need to tackle the issue. Luckily, we’re not short of ideas!

Here are three tips and tricks for tackling the problem as a family:

Fly less often
That doesn’t mean you need to stop travelling altogether. If you’re used to flying, we suggest you think about how much you fly and challenge the preconceived idea that travel means flying to the other side of the world. Family travel is first and foremost about discovering new things, having new experiences, and sharing moments together. And you can go anywhere! Quebec is full of wonderful places you can drive to, not to mention the rest of Canada! There are also plenty of surprising getaways with beautiful landscapes to see in the US.
Have only one car as a family (yes, it’s possible!)
If one car is parked 95% of the time, is it really necessary for most Quebec families to have two cars? Some might say that they need to have two vehicles. Others might point out that it’s convenient, but not necessary. Of course, city dwellers and suburbanites will have very different needs and concerns. However, with a little organization and the right choices, it’s totally possible to make do with just one vehicle, even in the suburbs. You can try to live close to work, public transit, and essential services. Car-sharing is also a very practical option for those times when you absolutely need two vehicles at once. Does your municipality not have a car sharing program? Bring it up to your municipal leaders!
Opt for walking and/or cycling
We’re so set in our ways that we immediately think of taking the car to go places that are sometimes very close. The habits you instill in your kids will have a real impact on their future lifestyle. Why not walk to the store this time? Not enough arms to bring everything home? Bring your kids along! It’s a win-win situation: you get a bit of exercise while spending some quality time with your loved ones.