Sustainable Transport – Examples

We need to minimise the amount of energy we consume for transport by travelling less overall and more efficiently when we do!  We can now make use of the internet to videoconference and we must encourage the use of improved public transport, cycling and even walking when we can!  When choosing a new car, choose the smallest, most efficient that suits your needs.  And when we do need to use private transport...

Drive eco... drive less: fewer journeys and fewer miles!
1. Avoid frequent short journeys on a cold engine - combine errands in one journey
2. Car-share wherever possible - halve your impact instantly!
3. Check tyre pressures weekly - under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption
4. Slow down - driving at 70mph can use 30% more fuel than at 50mph
5. Anticipate slowing traffic and slow down earlier to avoid having to brake or stop
6. Drive smoothly - change up through gears early, don't rev the engine hard
7. Air-conditioning costs fuel - park in shade and "vent" the car before driving
8. Keep vehicle serviced regularly
9. Fit "Low Rolling Resistance" tyres such as Continental EcoContact3 or Michelin Energy
10. Remove roof-racks when not in use
11. Don't carry unnecessary weight in the car
12. Keep windows closed at high speeds to reduce drag
Source: Matt Trevaskis Eco Drive; matthew@eco-drive.co.uk

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Did you know one in six National Trust properties, from historic houses to gardens, now offer visitors arriving without a car a discount on their entry fee or a voucher for the tea-room and a number of key attractions offer reductions to visitors coming without a car, always ask about car free discounts. Visit the Future Footprints site for more info...

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Car sharing

Car-sharing is when there is more than one occupant in a private car. We all share cars regularly, with our friends and family, without thinking about it. But there are often times when a driver has empty seats in the car because they don't know of anyone who needs a lift. And that's where organised car-sharing, using the best of today's technology, comes in.The liftshare matching service puts people travelling in the same direction or a similar destination in contact with each other, allowing them to arrange to travel together and share the costs, whilst also reducing congestion and pollution on our roads. For more information go to Car share 

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And with baby? This is a website which two Cornish mums set up last December to help both local parents,carers and visitors to the county find things to do with their little ones: Baby Information Bank

Nature South West: Nature holidays in South West England include the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor, 14 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and over 600 miles of dramatic coastline. Come and experience "up close" this unique and beautiful natural environment whether by foot, by bike or on horseback. Experience the magic of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.Choose from a wide variety of Holiday accommodation across South West England including farm holidays, camping and caravaning to country house hotel holidays, all great places from which to explore the stunning natural environment.

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Got a buggy or a wheelchair? Two excellent web-sites that have recently been created for buggy and wheelchair users:

• http://www.walkswithbuggies.com

• http://www.walkswithwheelchairs.com

And...should you be short of inspiration: