We need to realize that alternatives to our assumed forms of transportation exist and are preferable for a healthy society and environment.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we the people are able to consume more than 8 million barrels of oil on a daily basis.

That statistic includes other oil-burning machines, but the number wouldn't be so high if many of us used different means on a daily basis.

Ninety percent of our carbon-monoxide emissions come from transportation sources. Throw in other greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs and we have a recipe for worsening air.

Besides the automobiles polluting tendencies, it enables unhealthy daily living.

According to Time magazine, the average adult caloric intake in the United States has gone up from 3,100 in the 1960s to 3,700 in the '90s.

That's absurdly high.

It's no wonder our bad diets plus our sedentary habits make for an unhealthy population.

Think of the amount of time the average American can spend stuck in traffic, idly sipping coffee and listening to the radio. Use your alternatives.

Walk to work or school.

Do what millions of Europeans and Chinese do every day: Ride a bicycle.

Ride the bus even to go to the grocery store, the mall, or a night out.

Save some money on gas and save your lungs the pollution.

You'll be happier for it.