Traveling often requires a car. And when you drive to the Oregon Coast or to go camping at Mount Rainier, you’re hoping your car doesn’t break down on the way, right?
Maybe you’re already a member of an auto club, such as AAA, who will come and change your flat tire, give you discounts on rental cars, and tow your broken-down car to the nearest auto shop.
But did you know your auto club membership may support an anti-environmental policy agenda? It sure surprised me.
A few years back I joined the Better World Club, an auto club that offers great 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance. They’ve towed my car when I had a radiator catastrophe, let me into my locked car more times than I can count, and even showed up to fix my flat tire on I-90. I found them to be just as reliable as other auto clubs, with a rapid response time and fast service.
Membership in Better World includes eco-travel services, discounts on hybrid car rental, insurance services, free maps, auto maintenance discounts and bicycle roadside assistance. They donate 1% of annual revenues toward environmental cleanup and advocacy. They offer hybrid and biodiesel vehicle owners 15% off any new membership. And, they have a carbon offset program to help fight global warming by putting dollars into non-polluting energy sources.
But there is a even more important reason to pay attention to who you have your auto club membership with. Unlike AAA, Better World doesn’t use your membership fees to lobby against the Clean Air Act, bike paths or mass transit.
All in all, it’s a great service, and even greater to know that my membership isn’t working against greener transportation choices.
