Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Sustrans welcomes Client Earth’s third air pollution victory

21 February 2018

On the announcement of Client Earth’s successful legal action against the UK Government, Xavier Brice, Chief Executive at Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity said:

“Sustrans welcomes the verdict of the judge. We agree that the Government needs to show far greater leadership and urgency in bringing air pollution in the UK within legal limits.

“Reducing levels of motor traffic on the roads by providing high quality facilities for walking and cycling is one of the best ways to tackle the UK’s air pollution crisis. Our research shows that investment in dedicated cycling and walking infrastructure can prevent thousands of premature deaths from dirty air alone and save the economy millions through reduced healthcare costs.

“We’re calling on the UK Government to support all local authorities currently breaking air pollution limits in putting the infrastructure in place to reduce motor vehicle use and create safe routes and spaces for people to get around by bike and on foot.”

Sustrans is part of the Healthy Air Campaign. For more information about our work to tackle air pollution go to www.sustrans.org.uk/airquality For more information, interviews, case studies and photos contact: Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, 07557 915 648, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239593 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/sustrans-welcomes-client-airs-third-air-pollution-victory
via IFTTT

source https://playareasurfacetypes.tumblr.com/post/171131382919

Workplaces across Scotland sign up to Sustrans’ Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge

21 February 2018
Scottish Wildlife Trust, Glasgow City Council

We are encouraging people to travel more actively to work during March by inviting them to join the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge.

Funded by Transport Scotland, the free, month-long Challenge helps to inspire people to travel in ways that benefit their health, well-being and the environment.

Workplaces from across Scotland will compete against each other to see who can clock up the most walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing journeys between 1–31 March, in a bid to win more than £2,000 worth of prizes.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“There are many benefits from walking and cycling both for employees and workplaces. Changing the way you travel to work each day is a great place to start when encouraging people to make healthier and greener travel choices.

“Using public transport, car sharing schemes and car clubs can also save you money and help reduce harmful emissions. This Scottish Government will continue to invest in infrastructure and new initiatives to ensure people have the widest choice possible for their everyday journeys.”

Healthier, happier workplaces

We know that people who travel actively to work are fitter, healthier, happier and less likely to take sick days.

By encouraging people to make small changes to the way they get to work, we hope it will inspire them to make sustainable, long-term changes to the way they travel.

Staff from the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Glasgow City Council are just two of the workplaces who have given their backing to the Challenge by signing up to travel actively to work during March.

Participants will use an online platform to log their sustainable journeys and compete to climb a leader board. They will have access to feedback on how many calories they’ve burned and the amount of money they’ve saved on each journey by choosing healthy, green and cheap alternatives to driving.

Individual challengers will also be judged on the number of journeys they complete while workplaces are judged on the overall rate of participation in the team.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Senior Policy Officer, Bruce Wilson said:

“The Trust has huge concerns for the natural environment and we are seeing first-hand the increasing impact of climate change  on our native wildlife and habitats.

“We have to make sure that the everyday actions of our staff align with our messages about sustainable living, which includes promoting active and low carbon travel.

“I cycle to work regularly and find I benefit from having an active start to the day as opposed to sitting in traffic. Taking part in the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge is a fantastic way to encourage colleagues to realise these benefits, and ensure that as well as talking the talk, we walk the walk.”

Councillor Anna Richardson, Glasgow City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, added:

“Taking part in the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge is a great way to make changes and improve your health and wellbeing as well as helping us reduce our CO2 emissions.  Encouraging staff to take part is key to its success and to our sustainable transport objectives of a cleaner environment.

“The challenge allows you to set your own personal targets and shape your commute.  Plus, there’s the chance to win some great spot prizes!”

We wish all the workplaces involved the best of luck over the coming month.

Register for the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge or get your workplace involved

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239593 https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/workplaces-across-country-sign-sustrans%E2%80%99-scottish-workplace-journey-challenge
via IFTTT

source https://playareasurfacetypes.tumblr.com/post/171131382694

Play Area Surface Types

EPDM surfaces are very common in parks and also play areas, as it is a smooth safety surface area. Our wet pour rubberized surface also is ...