Tag: smarter travel

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‘Tis the Season to be Sustainable

Christmas Tree

For many, this holiday season is a time for celebrations, good food and get togethers, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth! (pun intended)

Sustainability isn’t just about smarter travel, it’s embedded in everything we do. That’s why this month, we wanted to share some top tips for reducing your carbon footprint and making seasonal savings!

Gifts

Before heading out to do your seasonal shopping, why not ask people if there is anything they need? This way, they will be sure to make the most of your gift, helping to reduce waste.

Wrapping presents brings us joy, but it’s important to be mindful of the materials we are using. Some paper wrapping paper has a plastic lining for strength, but that means it cannot be recycled, so always check before you buy. Avoid glitter, this is made of plastic too. Do the scrunch test: if it bounces back, it’s not recyclable.

Sellotape, the UKs most popular UK brand for tape, is made of polypropylene (PP – Plastic number 5) and cannot be recycled, making any wrapping paper it is attached to non-recyclable, unless you spend your morning separating it (a messy, time consuming job). Instead, why not try paper-based alternatives, such as solvent-free glue, made from natural ingredients, or why not try wrapping with fabric that can be reused! Watch this simple fabric wrapping tutorial.

Plastic ribbons and bows might be beautiful, but landfill isn’t. Why not try paper alternatives or better yet, try twine that can be reused year after year.

Crackers

40 million dad jokes are thrown away every year! Look out for plastic-free crackers, available in most UK supermarkets, or better yet, try fabric crackers that can be reused and refilled with your own small gifts and inside jokes.

Food

The holiday season tends to be a time for indulgence, but it’s important not to waste food and only buy what you need. There is more than enough food to feed the world, but 783 million people still go hungry, so think before you buy – will you use it? Do you need it? Here are some tips to make tasty dishes with your leftovers.

Travel

If you’re travelling home to get together with your loved ones over the holidays, could you cut your costs and carbon by car sharing?

Daily exercise is important for overall health and wellbeing, so why not try getting out for a winter walk. The Ramblers organise walks all year round, check out their website to find your local group.

From all of us at Smarter Travel, we’d like to wish you a sustainable holiday season!

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Journeys to Explore with Discounts Galore!

Man hailing a bus



In the midst of the UK’s cost of living crisis and a global climate emergency, finding budget-friendly and eco-conscious ways to travel has become more essential than ever. Thankfully, the extended “Get Around For £2” bus scheme and Railcard discounts offer a breath of fresh air for both your pocket and the planet!

Bus Travel

The “Get Around For £2” bus scheme, extended until December 2024, is a game-changer for those feeling the pinch of rising prices. With a single fare for just £2, this initiative eases the burden on your wallet. Plus, it helps cut down on the fuel costs, annual maintenance and parking expenses associated with driving, which are only getting more expensive due to the current economic challenges. Check out the list of routes and operators.

Don’t forget, if you are of state pension age, you can get a FREE ‘Older Person’s Bus Pass’ that enables you to travel for FREE between 09:30-23:00 weekdays and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Apply now!

If you have a disability that limits how you get around, you can apply for a FREE ‘Disabled Persons Bus Pass’ that enables you to travel for FREE on off-peak services from 09:30am until the last bus of the day on weekdays and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. Apply now!

Train Travel

For train travellers, various railcards provide substantial discounts, making journeys more affordable. The average Railcard holder saves £140 per year ,with 1/3 off train travel! There are 9 main Railcards to choose from, all of which cost just £30 per year or £70 for 3 years:

According to research by Employee Benefits, 59% of employers offer the season ticket loan scheme to employees. It’s one of the most used schemes available, and for good reason! So, if you travel by train regularly, speak to your employer about the potential for an interest free season ticket loan. Learn more about it here!

Compared to the financial strain of driving solo, these transportation options are a breath of fresh air. They help you cut costs and carbon at the same time. This is especially important as people grapple with the economic challenges of today.

By choosing these options, you can navigate the UK affordably and responsibly, easing the financial pressure on your family while contributing to a sustainable future. It’s a win-win!



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Every Step You Take…

Child walking to school

Here at Smarter Travel, we want to celebrate International Walk to School Month! It’s a time to unite families in hand and in heart, which is why we’re highlighting some of the amazing health benefits of walking (and cycling):

1. Healthy Heart

Walking for 2.5 hours per week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by 31% (try walking for 30 minutes on your lunch break!)

2. Keep Fit

Walking and cycling helps you maintain a healthy body and mind, can be tailored to your level of fitness and intensity so you can go at your own pace.

3. Stress-Less

Moving around can make you feel less stressed, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Just 20-minutes a day is proven to increase brain function, so make sure to take a break during the day to reset! It’s like a natural mood booster!

4. Strong Bones

Walking is gentle on your joints and can help if you ever have achy knees or hips. Maintaining an active routine helps to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis and other bone ailments. Biking can increase the bone density in your legs, hips and spine, therefore making them stronger, so it’s like giving your bones a workout!

5. Live Longer

A study by “The Lancet” found that people who walked or cycled for 2.5 hours per week reduced the risk of premature mortality by 22% – worth a shot right?! Regular physical activity helps to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.

Unlike the gym, walking is completely free and gets you from A to B! Check out the likes of Sustrans, Living Streets and Cycling UK to find local walking and cycling groups, log your physical activities on apps like Strava to monitor your progress and keep you accountable!

Walking and cycling are the smarter ways to travel and we encourage you to do so whenever possible. Click here to complete the Boyton Place Travel Survey and redeem either a £100 active travel voucher OR a £100 cycle voucher for Aero Cycles, based in Haverhill.