It's Green Britain Day today, Friday 10 July. You'll have probably seen the adverts adorned with green-toned Union Jacks, but what exactly is it and, to quote a widely used phrase, "what is the BMC doing about it?".
Green Britain Day is the launch of an initiative to get the British public engaged in being green and tackling climate change. In an analogy with the Olympics, the day basically gets us out of the starting blocks and invites us to join various teams to create a community spirit for being green. For example Team A to B is about making as many of our journeys as green as possible. For further details see the Team Green Britain website.
In the spirit of Green Britain Day, the BMC is today starting a weekly series of green tips reminding us of how we can play a part in minimising our contribution towards climate change and to help us reduce our impact in the great outdoors. We're calling it 'Environmentally Friendly Fridays' but, as that's quite a mouthful and in the interests of breathing out as little carbon dioxide as possible, we've shortened it to 'Green Fridays'.
Our first theme is...TRANSPORT
In common with the rest of the population, many climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers love their cars. Cars can get us to the crags and mountains quickly and in relative comfort. However, increasing car use is having an adverse effect on our lives and on the environment. So, here are some ideas for reducing our emissions and reliance on the car:
Use public transport
Not only as a means of getting to a destination but as part of a day out. It frees you from only doing circular walks and is more relaxing than sitting in a traffic jam.
Useful links:
www.transportdirect.info - public transport information
www.nationalrail.co.uk - train services nationwide
www.traveline.org.uk - train services nationwide
National Express - bus and coach services
Stanage Bus - bus route between Sheffield - Stanage - Hathersage
Snowdon Sherpa Bus - bus around Snowdonia
Car Free Walks - online guides to walks which start / finish at train stations and bus stops
Get on yer bike
Going by bicycle whenever you can will not only save you petrol money but will help you keep fit. Save money on a new bike by encouraging your place of work to join the government's cycle to work scheme.
Useful links:
National Cycle Network - comprehensive network of routes to cycle throughout the UK
Cyclescheme - provider of tax-free bikes for the Government's Cycle to Work initiative
Car share
This has always been a big part of mountain activities. Investigate car share through friends, clubs or websites. If there are more than a couple of car loads, consider hiring a mini bus or organising a coach. It can be a lot more fun travelling together than separately and is cheaper.
Useful links:
www.ecoclimber.com - lift share website for climbers and walkers
www.liftshare.com - the largest car-share network in the UK
www.ukclimbing.com - Lifts & Partners forum
www.carshare.com - online car share community or join a car club in your local area
Carbon offsetting
Every flight you take produces carbon dioxide (as well as other gases) so why not make a payment to a scheme that will offset your carbon emissions. However before considering carbon offsetting, be clear about its value.
Useful links:
www.direct.gov.uk - government website with section on greener living
www.carbontrust.co.uk - supporting a low carbon economy
www.ecotourdirectory.com - directory for planning an eco holiday
www.climatecare.org - info on reducing carbon emission and carbon offsetting
That's all for now, have a safe journey and tune in next week for another Green Friday!
Until then, other sources of useful documents include the BMC and Climate Change and the BMC Green Guide to the Uplands
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