AAA: Atrocious, Abominal, Abhorrent

Living in the suburbs, we all likely do a lot of driving. It makes sense, then, that many of us are interested in roadside assistance programs. The most well-known of these, of course, is AAA. Many of us probably know that AAA has a very powerful Congressional lobby. But we probably don't realize how evil their lobbying efforts are.

Some facts. AAA:
-Lobbied against the Clean Air Act in 1990.
-Doesn't recognize domestic partners as "family members."
-Is a member of the American Highway Users Alliance, who unsurprisingly support the destruction of virgin land and the construction of more, well, highways.
-Lobbied against California's 2006 Proposition 87, a "$4 billion program to reduce petroleum consumption by 25 percent, with research and production incentives for alternative energy, alternative energy vehicles, energy efficient technologies, and for education and training."

...and if you're a member of AAA, your membership dues are directly paying for their fight against the environment!

But, have heart, there is another option! Better World Club, the fastest growing automobile club in the nation, offers an eco-friendly roadside assistance plan. An Alternet article about Better World Club says, "Discounts are offered to hybrid vehicle owners, and carbon offsets are offered to all members. 'Our pricing is based on the cost to the environment, not the cost of service,' Rofsky is proud to say. It works out nicely that the pricing comes in at the same as, or in some cases cheaper than, AAA."

But that's not all! The article continues: "Better World Club encourages people that don't drive everywhere too, offering the nation's first and only bicycle roadside assistance plan. Members who bust a chain, pop a tire, or run into any other bicycle related mishap will be picked up and driven anywhere they want to go (home, nearest bike shop, a hotel, etc.) up to 30 miles away. Members can add the bicycle plan to their existing roadside service package, or individuals can sign up for the plan independent of the car service..."

Please give Alternet's article "Did You Know AAA Is Bad for the Environment? But You Can Get Green Roadside Assistance" a read. Then consider switching to Better World Club next time your AAA membership is up for renewal.