Some people compost. Some people recycle. Some people share cars.

Living green is our future. While some aspects will inevitably become faddish and rife with snake-oil claims, there are many positive ways to reshape our consumer behaviors.

Xtracycle is but one of thousands of effective ways to live fully, but also to chip away at our nation-leading 22% global energy consumption.

Own a bike? Road or mountain, the Sport Utility Bicycle (SUB) will transform it into a 200-lb load-bearing steed capable of carrying groceries, surfboards or even people.

By removing your existing rear wheel, brakes and derailleur, the SUB frame extends your wheelbase, attaching at the dropouts and near the bottom bracket. The extended length allows you more cargo room than traditional rack and pannier systems.

Handling is exactly like riding a bike except more stable. Braking is improved due to the longer wheelbase. There are no moving parts to snag or snap. Total weight is halved compared to a trailer, and steering isn’t impacted since you’re not trailing something.

But wait, you’ve got children and they need to be picked up at school. No sweat, Xtracycle even has handle bars and seat attachments for your tikes to ride aboard your SUB.

If your work, weekly errands and friends are reachable by foot, bike or public transit then your lifestyle can handle being car-less.

Provide your own bike and Retrofit Kits start at $224 for frame and install-kit only, or $399 for rack, frame and install kit. Or keep your rig pristine and buy one of their bikes starting at $599. Surly has even gotten in on the action and offer’s a custom-built Xtracycle for $1,799.