We wanted to highlight 5 important reasons why YOU should incorporate sustainable travel into your everyday life. What we find is; it’s good for you and good for your community. Here are the 5 reasons:
- Environmental impact
- Health benefits
- Financial savings
- Community engagement
- Future impact
Environmental impact
Reducing single occupancy car use helps to lower greenhouse
gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to a more sustainable
environment.
The transportation sector is a significant contributor to
global greenhouse gas emissions, and single occupancy vehicles are a major
contributor to this problem, producing approximately 180g of CO2 per kilometre.
These pollutants released into the atmosphere are largely contributing to
climate change and air pollution.
By reducing single occupancy vehicle use and incorporating
sustainable travel options, individuals can help to lower their personal carbon
footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. In addition, relying less on
cars and more on sustainable modes of transportation can help to reduce the
demand for fossil fuels, which are finite resources that contribute to global
warming when burned. Making the switch to sustainable travel options can help
to create a more environmentally friendly future for all.
Health benefits
Incorporating sustainable travel such as walking, cycling,
or using public transportation into daily life can lead to improved physical
and mental health. Walking and cycling can help to improve cardiovascular
health, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases
such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease; whilst also leading to improved
mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Although not as ‘physical’ as active travel, using public
transportation, can also provide health benefits. Firstly, public transport
often can’t take you door to do, therefore having to include walking into your
journey.
Not having to worry about driving and parking, (which can be
stressful and time-consuming) is better for both our mental and physical
health; repeated stress can lead to high blood pressure, which may lead to
heart disease or strokes.
Financial savings
Reliance on single occupancy vehicles often leads to high running
costs, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Owning and operating a car
requires a significant investment of money and ongoing expenses such as fuel,
oil changes, tyre changes, and insurance. In contrast, using sustainable travel
options such as public transportation, walking, or cycling can be a much more
cost-effective way to get around.
There are also small indirect costs that can start to add up
such as parking fees, tolls, and the cost of congestion. By reducing the use of
single occupancy vehicles, individuals can avoid these additional costs and
reduce their overall transportation expenses.
Investing in sustainable travel options such as a bicycle or a bus/train pass may be an intimidating upfront cost but is likely to be a smart financial decision in the long-term. Not only can it lead to lower daily expenses, but it can also help individuals save money on health care costs by promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Community engagement
Using sustainable travel options, such as public
transportation, can create opportunities for social interaction and community
engagement, which is great, especially when you’re new to the area. Public
transportation provides a shared space for individuals to come together and
interact with one another, promoting a sense of community. It also provides
opportunities to connect with people from different walks of life, promoting
cultural understanding and diversity.
Whereas driving a single occupancy vehicle can be quite lonely,
often involving long periods of time alone in a vehicle. By incorporating
sustainable travel options into daily life, individuals have the opportunity to
break out of their isolated routines and connect with others in their
communities.
Using sustainable travel options can also support local
businesses and promote walkable, liveable communities. Walking and cycling can
help to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging the
development of local shops, restaurants, and other amenities that support
community engagement and interaction. The idea of liveable communities has
already began to come to fruition, in forms of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
(LTNs), which are gaining popularity and providing positive results.
Future impact
Making a personal commitment to reducing single
occupancy car use and incorporating sustainable travel sets a positive example
for future generations and helps to create a more sustainable future for all.
The choices that individuals make today can have a significant impact on the
future and reducing single occupancy car use is a key step towards creating a
more sustainable future.
Incorporating sustainable travel into daily life can also
help to create demand for more sustainable transportation infrastructure, such
as cycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation systems. This
can lead to the development of more sustainable communities, where walking, cycling,
and public transportation are safe and accessible modes of transportation for
everyone.
Overall,
making a personal commitment to reducing single occupancy car use and incorporating sustainable travel is an important step towards creating a more sustainable future for all. It sets a positive example for future generations and helps to create a more liveable, healthy, and environmentally friendly world.
Where to start?
To help you get started, here are some great apps and websites to download:
Public transport is a great step towards becoming more sustainable; active travel is even better! See how you can use Active Travel in your everyday travels.