Pedestrian Council of Australia
Safety – Amenity – Access – Health
Friday 3 October 2008
NRM North is encouraged by the number of residents in northern Tasmania who played an important role in reducing carbon emissions during national Walk to Work Day.
People were asked to leave their cars at home today and walk to work or catch a bus and get off two stops earlier.
Members of the Active Launceston community group also organised a coordinated walk to work from Inveresk followed by a free healthy breakfast.
NRM North’s Chief Executive Officer, James McKee, said the event highlighted the significant health and environmental benefits that can be achieved by leaving the car at home.
“It’s estimated that if 10 thousand Launceston residents left their cars at home for one day and walked 10 kilometres to work and back, this would equate to a reduction in Co2 emissions of around 22, 600 kilograms.”
The figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries are based on averages for new vehicle emissions in 2007 of 226 grams of Co2 for every kilometre travelled.
Mr McKee said a reduction of more than 22 thousand kilograms of carbon in just one day would have a positive impact on the environment.
“It would be great if residents in northern Tasmania made it a priority to walk to work at least once or twice a week.
“Collectively it would have a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions and residents would be healthier for it.”
