Page 63 - TNE WORKBOOK

Step 2: Measuring your carbon miles (15 mins)

If we can all reduce our private car use, then we can save money and our communities, both local and global,
will also benefit enormously. We will also be healthier if we walk or cycle instead. Fewer cars on the road
means cleaner, less polluted air to breathe, leading to fewer respiratory diseases like asthma. Fewer cars
also means more peace and quiet, fewer car parks and more green spaces, and a sense of space. Globally,
reducing our CO2 emissions will leave many of our fellow humans in their homes, rather than displaced by
rising sea levels. Each of the actions below can significantly reduce the cost of running your own car, as well
as improve your local environment, while still getting you from A to B. Note that you may do some of these
activities already – if so, go you!

Behavioural Science Tip

For repeat actions, you’re likely to forget or revert back to your old behaviour at some point – this is normal
and to be expected – it’s part of being human! It happens for everyone, so there’s no reason to feel guilty, just
pick up where you left off and try again. The more times you repeat a habit, the easier it becomes and the less
you have to think about it. Once you’ve performed the action enough times, you’ll reach ‘automaticity’ – i.e.
doing something so automatically you don’t even realise you’re doing it.

Tier 1: Easy-peasy lemon squeezy (Beginner level)

Do errands that require
driving in one big go

You can save fuel and time by doing several tasks on the one trip, plus, then your errands are out of the way
in one afternoon.

For a destination that’s 20
minutes or less to get to by
walking (e.g. the local shops),
walk instead of driving.

This is a great way to improve your general health and well-being; walking is known to combat stress,
depression and anxiety, and it improves your fitness.

Turn down the air-con or
heating in the car

This will save you fuel and reduce your car’s emissions. To remove some of the need to heat or cool your car, in
summer, park in the shade and lower windows to remove hot air. In winter, park in the sun to warm up your car.

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