What are we talking about & what can you do to help?
Girlgear is dedicated to creating greater awareness of green issues & promoting cycling, walking & running as healthy leisure activities & alternative forms of transport for short journeys.
Climate Change is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) & other polluting gases. These gases are known as Carbon Emissions & are released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil & gas) for energy & transport. As the gases build up they trap heat causing our planets temperature (global warming) to rise.
Carbon Footprint - we all have one! It is based on how much CO2 we each emit annually. This handy environmentally aware calculator helps you to identify areas of your lifestyle you can act on http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk
Start now & cut your emissions. Do your bit to save the planet by reducing your energy consumption, reusing instead of replacing & recycle waste items
Change your travel habits - start by trying to make one less car journey a week. Visit www.changeyourworld.org.uk for more details.
Sustrans is 30 this year. Sustrans (short for Sustainable Transport Group) was established in 1977 by a Bristol based cycling group driven to do something about damage to the environment & our dependence on oil for transport. Their actions were responsible for setting up the National Cycle Network a 12,000 mile long route across UK & over ¾ of the population live within 2 miles of it.
Coming to a cinema near you www.cyclehero.com is a government funded CTC film highlighting the role cycling can play in helping to reduce the worlds carbon emissions & combat climate change
Going to France this year? Try out "Velib" in Paris & Lyon - an automated bike hire system. Hire from one station & drop off at a different one
Cycle usage is growing fast in the UK especially in urban areas & London is promoting itself as one of the great cycling capitals of the world. Cycling has soared by 83% since 2000 according to Transport for London figures recently announced by London Mayor, Ken Livingstone. This is helping to tackle congestion & pollution whilst delivering associated health benefits. Did you know a 4 mile trip in London takes an average 40 minutes by car, 30 minutes by public transport & 22 minutes by cycle.
So get that bike out of the shed & start to cycle more, especially for shorter journeys. 3 x 30 minutes of exercise a week is all it takes to get fit, improve your health & lose weight. Enjoy the freedom of traffic free routes oh & save yourself some money - its free & Carbon Neutral.
