Transport choices are crucial when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint
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Walking and cycling are our top choices for local transport, with the added benefit of keeping us healthy and fit, which in turn is proven to improve mental health. But it's not always practical, so what do we do then?
Do you live in a area with good bus links? Have you checked the train timetable recently? Can you car share to work or Skype to the meeting? Or plan to pick up the shopping when you're already out on other errands? And then the biggie, our holidays. Just one flight will add a huge amount to your carbon footprint. In Sweden they have coined a new word 'Flygskam', which means flight shame, and they have seen a decrease in air travel and an increase in rail use! In the UK it is more difficult because rail prices are far more expensive, which means that a family holiday by rail is not affordable, especially when you add on the cost of accommodation in the school holidays. Through Net Zero Heroes we don't demand you stop flying, we ask you to think about whether you need to. If there is no practical alternative to flying, then carbon offsetting is possible. This is a way of paying for others to reduce emissions or absorb CO2 to compensate for your own emissions. For example, to fund tree planting projects, or providing energy-efficient cooking stoves to people in developing countries. However, whilst this is better than nothing, it does not reduce our emissions or cancel them out. Here is one carbon offsetting organisation who can help: https://www.goldstandard.org. Active Devon are currently running a 'Let’s Walk' challenge, which is Devon’s biggest workplace walking challenge. The challenge is part of Let’s Walk campaign, which aims to get:
Taking part in activities and challenges like this can have huge benefits:
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