Transport
Almost everyone is involved in some form of travel every day – whether it is travelling to work, school, shops, or to entertainment. The Eco-Challenge transport section looks at how we use our cars and how we can make more informed decisions about the ways in which we travel.
There are many things we as individuals we can do to tackle car dependency without turning our lives upside down. These pages will give you practical advice on the alternatives to car travel and how to use your car more sustainably.
Why Cut Your Car Use?
For the Environment
Cars contribute one fifth of Britain’s Carbon Dioxide emissions and are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas. By driving less you can help fight the trend of global warming and natural disasters.
For Your Health
Air Quality
In-car air can be three times as toxic as air breathed by cyclists or walkers. Exhaust fumes include toxins that have been linked to causing cancer, birth defects, brain and nerve damage, and long-term injury to the lungs and breathing passages.
Exercise
The choices we make about how we travel can have an important effect on our health. In contrast to the sedentary lifestyle of car travel, ‘active transport’ such as walking and cycling can bring important health benefits.
By regularly walking or cycling you can cut the risk of coronary heart disease by up to 50% and stroke by 66% as well as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.
To Save Money
Are you driving to work, or working to drive? Do you know how much your car costs you?
If you drive a small second-hand car 5,000 miles a year, it will cost around £2,500, i.e. £7 per day or 50p a mile. A bike, including purchase, depreciation, insurance, servicing, spares and weatherproof clothing, will cost under £200 a year.
You can change your travel behaviour in small ways and reap the benefits.
You don’t necessarily have to make major lifestyle changes!
Changing Your Travel Habits
Habits are created by practice and with practice can be changed. As you progress through these steps ask yourself:
Do I really need to travel? If so, how far? Is there a nearer alternative?
Can I link the trip with another purpose?
Is there public transport? Can I rearrange to fit timetables?
Is there someone I can share the ride with?
Set Yourself Targets – for example:
- I aim to cut my car miles by 15% over the next 4 months.
- I aim to use an alternative to commuting by car at least twice a week. This could include sharing with a friend, using the bus, walking or cycling.
- I aim to walk, cycle or use public transport for all journeys under one mile that don’t involve carrying heavy loads.
- I aim to find an alternative to taking the children to school by car at least twice a week.
You’ll be able to check your progress in a few months time by completing a second Eco-Challenge Travel
Diary – you may be surprised at how much your lifestyle has changed for the better!
Work through the following steps to improve your travelling means and help the environment:
Step 1 – Walking and Cycling
Step 2 – Public Transport
Step 3 – Responsible Car Use
Step 4 – Even Smarter Travel
Click here for more details on the 4 Steps to cut your car use >
Aberdeen Forward is an ENTRUST enrolled environmental body. Scottish Charity No: SC034866. Registered in Scotland, Company No: 200999