At LiveWest, we are Creating Greener Futures Together. Every month, we share some of our favourite green advice, to help our customers and colleagues live more sustainably. This month, we are sharing our sustainable transport advice. Read on to find out more. Or, for more eco-friendly advice, visit our green advice page.
Getting out in nature has been proven to benefit our mental health, and with so many beautiful landscapes to enjoy in the South West, we are spoilt for choice. From the Gloucestershire hills and the moors of Devon to the shores of Cornwall, there is so much for us to enjoy.
Now, with the weather improving, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore in the sunshine.
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a scenic bike ride, or to take a trip to the beach, here are our top tips to travel around the South West sustainably this Summer.
1. Make the most of your local surroundings to avoid travelling too far.
One benefit of living in the South West is that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a walk or a day at the beach. By staying closer to home, you will save petrol, reducing your carbon emissions.
You can look online for places to visit near you - try one of these pages to get started:
2. Enjoy a walk or a bike ride.
Walking and cycling are both a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, get outdoors, and improve your physical and mental health.
If you're not travelling too far, why not try walking or cycling there instead of driving? Or you could plan a longer bike ride or walk, on one of the many great walking and cycling routes in the South West.
Visit our cycling in the South West page to view cycle maps and walking routes, plus information from your local council about cycling in your area.
3. For longer journeys, use public transport instead of driving.
Public transport is a more sustainable way to travel than driving, reducing emissions and lowering your carbon footprint.
Public transport also reduces congestion, taking more cars off the road, and can save you money, as using public transport is often cheaper than the cost of owning and running a car.
You can find information on buses, trains, and park and ride services in your area on our using public transport in the South West page.
4. If you do use your car, save petrol by driving smoothly and sharing lifts.
If you do choose to travel by car, there are a few tips you can use to save fuel and travel more sustainably.
For example, car sharing, making sure your tyres are inflated, and driving smoothly can all help you to use less fuel. Read our guide to using your car in a greener way to find out more.
For more sustainable transport advice, visit our Transport green advice page, or view our Five steps for greener travel infographic.
