I propose that every resident of Isla Vista, a small unique community within Santa Barbara, collectively go without using a car on every first Monday of the month. Residents may use bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or foot as transportation to get themselves to and from their destinations instead. 

I understand the obstacles that might conflict with this recurring event; for example, how dependent most people have become on their vehicles, the complication of getting to and from Isla Vista at extensive miles, and potentially the time constraint that any other form of transportation might cause besides a car. This movement only requires individuals to simply plan ahead and work around these obstacles once a month! Whether it’s leaving early to be on time, taking public transit to get closer to your destination, or renting an electric scooter, it’s only one day each month that requires this conscientious thought about how you get around. The small inconvenience of finding an alternative form of transportation can make big impacts to help fight against our dying atmosphere. 

In today’s world, incredible electric vehicles exist. I still encourage the owners of these vehicles to make a statement by not driving on the first Monday of each month. The monthly absence of cars on the roads altogether for this community will become habitual and create a statement larger than ourselves as individuals can promote. 

Our community movement can inspire other cities to do the same and cut out even more fossil fuels each month! There is no better time than now to start positive change in our environment; therefore, the kick-off month will be November of 2019. I encourage - current, past, future, or even relatives of current - residents to promote this eco-friendly trend so that together on Monday, November 4th, 2019, our community can begin to decrease our use of fossil fuels, save gas money, and experience the beauty of Isla Vista more each month.