When it comes to healthy living – and by healthy we mean for the mind, body, soul and the environment – The Eco Attractions Group is fully supportive.
Sustainable methods of transport are essential not only for reducing our environmental impact but also for enhancing the quality of life for everyone and everything. As it turns out, and as you will soon find out by reading on, we are far from being the only ones to recognise these advantages.
As this week, 17-23 June, is Better Transport Week 2024 – a weeklong initiative from the Campaign for Better Transport – it seems like an appropriate time to take a moment to reflect upon the numerous benefits that opting for eco-friendly transportation options can bring; and how doing so will contribute to a greener, healthier world.
The Eco Attractions Group is proud to receive support from the Foundation for Integrated Transport. This esteemed foundation plays a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating sustainable transport solutions across the UK. By advocating for the integration of various modes of eco-friendly transportation, the Foundation helps to create a seamless and convenient travel experience. Their efforts are crucial in making public transport, cycling and walking more accessible and appealing to the general public.
Sustainable travel
Sustainable transportation methods, such as cycling, walking, and using electric vehicles, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing greener alternatives, individuals can help lower the carbon footprint, combating global warming and its associated risks. Furthermore, fossil fuel-powered vehicles are a major source of air pollution, releasing harmful substances like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. These pollutants degrade air quality, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases. Sustainable transport options, however, produce little to no emissions, thereby improving air quality and public health.
Using sustainable transport can also lead to significant cost savings – Walking and cycling are virtually free, while public transport and electric vehicles tend to have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Additionally, governments often provide incentives for adopting green transportation, such as tax breaks and subsidies for electric vehicle purchases; and investing in sustainable transport infrastructure, such as bike lanes and public transport systems, can stimulate local economies – It creates jobs, encourages tourism, and increases access to local businesses, fostering economic growth within communities.
Active modes of transport, like walking and cycling, offer substantial health benefits. They promote regular physical activity, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Engaging in these activities also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
Additionally, sustainable transport options contribute to safer, more livable communities; reduced traffic congestion and lower pollution levels, which create a more pleasant urban environment; and finally, walking and cycling foster social interactions and a sense of community, as people are more likely to engage with their surroundings and each other. The benefits really are almost endless!
A shared desire
Doing all that we can to help our attraction goers to go one step further on their green ventures, by taking the bus, train, cycling or walking, just seems to make perfect sense. While it might seem necessary to continue employing persuasive strategies aimed at encouraging the general public to travel via alternative, eco-friendlier methods, we have also seen that rather than mere encouragement, people need to be more aware of the car-alternatives on offer, and for these alternatives to be more accessible and convenient.
A recent survey of 11 of our members attractions across the UK, revealed significant insights into visitor travel habits. While a huge 92.2% of visitors currently use cars (50% petrol, 32% diesel, 5.7% hybrid, and 4.2% electric), the survey found that better awareness and promotion of public transport options could significantly reduce car use. Notably, 72% of respondents were unaware of existing public transport alternatives. Only 20% would opt for financial incentives to travel car-free, while 36% indicated that improved transport options and their promotion as the environmentally responsible choice would encourage them to switch to public transport.
This demonstrates a significant shift in public attitudes towards sustainable travel and highlights the growing willingness to adopt greener transportation options. By facilitating and promoting public transport access to attractions, we can further encourage this positive trend and reduce the environmental impact of tourism.
Our Eco Attraction Members all boast a long list of fantastic green offerings on site, as well as possibilities and even incentives to get to and from their locations in a healthier way. So, if you do fancy a green day out, whether that be on your own or in the company of friends or family, why not consider taking a healthier-for-all way of getting there?
To find out more about better Transport week, visit https://bettertransport.org.uk/better-transport-week/
To read more about the Foundation for Integrated Transport, visit https://integratedtransport.org.uk/