New annual challenge for climate action charities possibleencouraging participants to reduce car use by taking more low-carbon transportation or ditching cars throughout July.
Transport emissions account for more than a quarter of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing car use is great for climate, air quality and household budgets.
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In similar environment-themed, month-long challenges such as vegetarian and no lawn mowing, car-free travel will seek to have a positive impact on the climate. The event gives participants the freedom to design their experience – so they can still participate regardless of their situation or access needs.
Challenges, including replacing their weekly grocery trips, commutes or school with low-carbon transportation, are designed to inspire participants to re-develop their relationship with public transportation.
A pilot program may have been launched earlier this year to identify key barriers to car-free travel. In the cost of living crisis, ten participants saved an average of £8.78 a week – potentially saving more than £450 a year.
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They also started shopping locally and exploring the area more. After the trial, all participants reported that they used cars less or used sustainable modes on some journeys, and others even sold their cars.
Between them, they also reduced carbon dioxide by 372 kg. A possible estimate is that if 10,000 people participated in car-free travel for the entire month of 2022, it would reduce carbon emissions by 549 tons of CO2—equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by more than 26,000 trees in a year.
Transport emissions account for 27% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, and cars account for more than half of all emissions – reducing car use is an important step in maintaining the UK’s climate goals.
Past research has found that one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to reduce their climate impact is to live without a car. The challenge is to help people reduce car use, reassess the importance of cars in their lives – and put them on a car-free journey.
prize
Participants stand a chance to win prizes from Brompton, Cycle Chic, Cycle Spirit Joe’s Tea Co and Kabloom. They will also receive discount codes from Voi Technology, Co-Wheels, Enterprise Car Club, Cycle Chic, Cycle Spirit, Carry Me Bikes and Peddle My Wheels. The prize also includes a free membership to The Something Club, Green Squirrel’s online community.
Possible Birmingham car-free campaigner Sandra Green said:
“It’s fantastic to finally open up this challenge to the public. Having conducted our trials earlier this year, it’s clear that just sampling a car-free lifestyle will generate further interest.
“Car-free travel has the potential to have a huge impact on people’s behavior and emissions. I can’t wait for more people to try car-free life, discover the joys of active travel, explore local shops and attractions, and reduce their impact on the climate.”
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This article is based on possible reports. Yasmin Dahnoun is ecologist.
