My father has to get his Stewart's coffee(maybe 7 miles one-way). Basically he has bought his coffee every day of his life as far as I remember. There's some days where he will take 3 different trips during the day. It seems very wasteful to me. My older brother goes out almost every day. I think he just simply takes joy rides many of the times he's out. Is this kind of thing common among people you know?
Driving for non-essentials
- Thread starter rainforests1
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It's important to get out of the house sometimes, but obviously driving for non-essentials is wasteful.
I can't imagine it's too common where I live, since driving here is a rather stressful activity with danger everywhere and you also risk getting stuck in traffic for some time.
I can see it being different in small-town USA though, where you have big roads with lots of space and more margins for error, and perhaps also less alternatives for transportation, and walking might not even be a very realistic option some places.
I can't imagine it's too common where I live, since driving here is a rather stressful activity with danger everywhere and you also risk getting stuck in traffic for some time.
I can see it being different in small-town USA though, where you have big roads with lots of space and more margins for error, and perhaps also less alternatives for transportation, and walking might not even be a very realistic option some places.
Wolfie
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I take joy rides. I also make a daily caffeine run (not 7 miles though) but believe me, that's essential.
Kitties
Forum Legend
I remember years ago when I was a kid going for "a drive." This would often be toward the beach or cliffs since my home town is Santa Cruz, Ca. I'm not sure people do that as much anymore.
Rainforests1, is your dad retired? He may just want to get out and do something. I was sitting at a light once and saw a slow moving elderly man by himself going into the Wendy's on the corner. I remember thinking to myself that may be his outing for the day.
I don't think all my driving is essential, like hitting the thrift stores etc. But I don't think I'd go out of the way for coffee. If I needed the coffee, I'd go to the closest. We have enough of those places around. Starbucks and Dutch Brothers.
It's rare for me to take more than one trip a day. Sometimes in the summer if it's hot and I bought something I don't want to leave in the car, I'll swing by my apartment. Then I go to the other side of town. I live in a large town but it's compact, not spread out.
Rainforests1, is your dad retired? He may just want to get out and do something. I was sitting at a light once and saw a slow moving elderly man by himself going into the Wendy's on the corner. I remember thinking to myself that may be his outing for the day.
I don't think all my driving is essential, like hitting the thrift stores etc. But I don't think I'd go out of the way for coffee. If I needed the coffee, I'd go to the closest. We have enough of those places around. Starbucks and Dutch Brothers.
It's rare for me to take more than one trip a day. Sometimes in the summer if it's hot and I bought something I don't want to leave in the car, I'll swing by my apartment. Then I go to the other side of town. I live in a large town but it's compact, not spread out.
I was just wondering why people have to buy coffee if they can make it at home ?
I only use the car when I can't go by foot ; going to work or the shops.
I only use the car when I can't go by foot ; going to work or the shops.
SummerRain
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.
I think it's good to reduce how much you use your car... but I also think it's worth remembering that the environmental impact of getting your non essential items to the shop in the first place far out weights the impact of driving to get them. So perspective is a good thing.
Different "excesses" in terms of money and environmental impact are important for different people. I've been in a car once in the past three months... but there are other things I do that are less environmentally friendly that other people might think are wasteful. For somebody who might not get out a lot, I think using a car to make trips could be really important in keeping people busy and social. Also, I live in a city where public transport is frequent and reliable and I can get to about everything I ever need with a 30min walk or (usually) much less. For people in more isolated areas, car use is much more important.
All that said, driving somewhere to get coffee seems mad to me.
But I agree with what others have suggested, it might just be something to do for somebody who doesn't have much else going on.
Different "excesses" in terms of money and environmental impact are important for different people. I've been in a car once in the past three months... but there are other things I do that are less environmentally friendly that other people might think are wasteful. For somebody who might not get out a lot, I think using a car to make trips could be really important in keeping people busy and social. Also, I live in a city where public transport is frequent and reliable and I can get to about everything I ever need with a 30min walk or (usually) much less. For people in more isolated areas, car use is much more important.
All that said, driving somewhere to get coffee seems mad to me.
But I agree with what others have suggested, it might just be something to do for somebody who doesn't have much else going on.
I prefer my own coffee but I think for some people, it's the specialty drinks that you can't seem to duplicate at home. Although quite a few coworkers go to the DD down the street for regular coffee before coming into the office every day. Some things just taste better when someone else makes it for you, I guess.
It's interesting, because if time were the issue where they don't have time to make coffee before work, it takes just as long if not longer to wait on the long line at the drive through. Maybe they don't want to make a whole pot? I know I can't make less than six cups or else it doesn't seem to taste right. But I also have a single cup Senseo...I switch back and forth every few weeks.
I just think most people find it more convenient. And I sure had a lot to say about why someone wouldn't just make coffee at home, lol.
I also think driving 7 miles every day for coffee is crazy but I agree with those who said it could just be a social thing and a means of getting out of the house.
Clueless Git
Plant powered
Same pillocks who will pay enough to make a whole loafs worth of sandwhiches for a single sandwich, rather than make one, I guess.
I only go by foot when I can't use my car.
It's a luxury I fund out of the money I save by making my own coffee and sandwiches.
*Smug* I don't have a car so I don't waste the earth's precious resources in that way.
Haha, I can get anywhere by public transport or by walking so I don't need a car anyway. I get free public transport too because of my husband's job.
Haha, I can get anywhere by public transport or by walking so I don't need a car anyway. I get free public transport too because of my husband's job.
beancounter
The Fire That Burns Within
Not to the extent of you dad and brother, but we will often neglect to consolidate our chores on a single trip.
I miss public transportation. I agree that it might seem wasteful on the surface, but if it's a social thing, I can see why he'd do it. My dad is like that, too. He loves driving in general.*Smug* I don't have a car so I don't waste the earth's precious resources in that way.
I was only joking.
It's very easy not to have a car where I live but I did live in a village for a year and the public transport was terrible, especially in winter or bad weather.I was only joking.
I loved living in Philly because I could take the buses and trains everywhere. It was especially helpful when I would attend concerts because I could have more than one beer if I wanted.
thefadedone
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They must make some damn good coffee there. Sounds like he's a regular customer there so he's probably friendly with the staff and it probably gives him a little joy in his life to go in and visit when he gets his coffee. Sure it's wasteful, but if it gives him something to look forward to then there's no harm in it imo.
Kitties
Forum Legend
I know you said you were joking but I think you have every right to be smug not having a car.*Smug* I don't have a car so I don't waste the earth's precious resources in that way.
It's my goal someday and sometimes I'll wonder if I'll really do it but I think I will.He comes in and leaves within 3 minutes usually from the times I've been with him. It's the product he likes more than anything. We have a corner store a half mile from my house that sells a lot of products. He could walk there without a problem.
RascalsMom
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thefadedone
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