International holidays, as a whole, are not the most sustainable, especially when they involve flying. On the other hand, we all deserve a sunny getaway every now and then, and breathtaking destinations like Algarve offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, how do you find the right balance? A walking holiday could be your answer. 

Reducing your footprint

A walking holiday in Portugal essentially means that, once you get to the airport, you stop using any kind of transport. Instead, you simply walk from A to B, wherever that may be for you. As such, you reduce your carbon footprint significantly, avoiding the use of cars or public transport all together. Besides the sustainability aspect, it’s a highly rewarding way to explore a country, since you get to see parts of it you would normally miss out on. 

Your walking holiday will typically take place on a pre-planned long-distance trail, which could last anywhere between a week and a month. One of the most popular walking routes in Algarve is the Rota Vicentina network of walking and hiking trails. The Fisherman’s Trail, in particular, is a great option if you want a 7-day experience with a balanced mix of sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, authentic villages and delicious foods. 

The idea behind walking holidays is to explore Algarve’s natural beauty in the most respectful and sustainable way possible. The “Leave No Trace” principle is absolutely fundamental here, meaning your footprints should be the only sign of your visit. Respecting the wildlife is also key, particularly as the region is home to a vast variety of bird species (if you’re lucky, you’ll see them stork nests on the cliffs in spring!). 

Supporting the local communities

A huge part of sustainable holidays is where you choose to spend your money. The local communities benefit from tourism, as long as it helps to grow their economy. On a walking holiday, you will typically be staying in small, independent hotels or B&Bs along your route, rather than those owned by global chains.

Moreover, you will be visiting numerous historic towns and fishing villages, where you can savour fresh seafood and other Portuguese produce. Again, when choosing where to shop or eat, make sure to go for locally owned spots, as opposed to tourist restaurants and franchise cafes. Not only will this ensure that your money stays in the local economy, but you will also most likely receive a much more authentic, quality meal without the tourist price tag. 

If you book your holiday through Orbis Ways, they will take care of the accommodation and other services for you. Working with a well-established network of local businesses, Orbis Ways ensure that you stay at charming local hotels or country cottages. Not just that, the agency encourages sustainable travel by compensating the CO2 emissions produced by your trip! 

Small actions with big impact

A walking holiday across Portugal’s Algarve coast will certainly be an unforgettable adventure. And, the small compromises that you make during your travels do not just contribute towards the preservation of this beautiful region, but also make your experience more authentic and rich – making it a win-win for everyone!

The post Exploring Portugal’s Algarve coast sustainably on a walking holiday appeared first on Green Prophet.

In a world where sleek, aerodynamic e-bikes dominate the streets, a few bold designs dare to defy conventional aesthetics. These “fugly” e-bikes might not win beauty contests, but they offer unique advantages: they stand out, deliver exceptional performance, and are less likely to attract thieves (read our guide on how to make your bike ugly on purpose). Here’s a look at some of the most unconventional e-bikes that are redefining cool.​

1. The ZUV Tricycle: Sustainable and Striking triking

The ZUV (Zero-emissions Utility Vehicle) Tricycle is a 3D-printed cargo e-trike made from recycled plastic. Its angular design and robust frame prioritize functionality and sustainability over traditional aesthetics. With ample cargo space and a focus on eco-friendliness, it’s perfect for urban deliveries or errands. Its unique appearance also makes it less appealing to potential thieves.​

Michael Blast Springer: Retro Vibes with Modern Tech

The Michael Blast Springer channels the spirit of vintage boardtrack racers with its elongated frame and retro styling. Beneath its nostalgic exterior lies a 500W motor capable of reaching 22 mph, complemented by a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. Its unique design is both eye-catching and less likely to be targeted by thieves unfamiliar with its value. ​

Moustache Bikes: French Flair with a Twist

Moustache Bikes, named after the distinctive handlebar style, offer a range of e-bikes that blend functionality with unique design elements. Their sturdy frames and Bosch motors ensure reliability, while their unconventional aesthetics set them apart. The brand’s commitment to quality and distinctive appearance make these bikes both practical and less prone to theft.​

Why Embrace the “Fugly”?

Unique Identity: These e-bikes stand out in a sea of uniform designs, allowing riders to express individuality.

Function Over Form: Prioritizing practicality, these bikes often offer superior cargo capacity, range, or performance.

Theft Deterrence: Unconventional designs can be less attractive to thieves unfamiliar with their value or functionality.​

Embracing these distinctive e-bikes means valuing innovation, sustainability, and individuality over traditional aesthetics. While they might not conform to conventional beauty standards, their unique features and practical advantages make them a compelling choice for the modern rider.​

The post Embrace these fugly e-bikes appeared first on Green Prophet.

Electric bikes and scooters has transformed the way pedestrians can zoom around a city and town with ease – especially during the last mile of public transport. City and town life can be a whirlwind of bustling streets, crowded public transportation, and fast-paced changes.

For seniors, navigating this dynamic environment can pose unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining independence and mobility. This is where e-mobility solutions, especially electric tricycles, step in as a game-changer. Mooncool sent us an electric bike to review and we are waiting for our off-grid “pilot” Raven to have enough winter battery and snowmelt for her review.

Meanwhile:

Why E-Mobility Matters for Seniors

Mobility isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about preserving autonomy, staying socially connected, and maintaining mental and physical health. Just like new moms enjoy using the baby stroller for carrying small purchases made at the mall or market, an e-bike can help older people maintain mobility and allow them to do their every day shopping and errands. As people age, traditional modes of transportation may become less accessible. Buses are hard to alight, and can be slow and overwhelming. Driving can be stressful or unsafe due to declining reflexes or vision issues. Some people choose to not keep a car in the town or city for its restrictive cost and upkeep on insurance and repairs.

Enter electric tricycles—a perfect blend of stability, ease, and efficiency. With three wheels, these bikes offer the balance seniors need, eliminating the fear of tipping over. Plus, the electric assist reduces the physical strain, making it easier to travel longer distances without exhaustion. E-bikes are getting their moment in the sun for wheeling kids around the city. Seniors want their turn.

The Advantages of Electric Tricycles

1. Enhanced Stability and Safety: The three-wheel design offers a solid foundation, reducing the risk of falls. This is where company’s like Mooncool safety design for elder people truly shines, providing extra features tailored to senior needs, like anti-slip pedals, low step-through frames, and ergonomic seating. The grandkids like to jump on the back!
2. Affordable Transportation: Owning a car comes with hefty expenses—fuel, insurance, maintenance. Electric tricycles, on the other hand, are a one-time investment with minimal upkeep costs. They’re an affordable solution for seniors looking to maintain mobility without breaking the bank.
3. Eco-Friendly Choice: E-trikes produce zero emissions, making them a green alternative to cars. Seniors who care about leaving a positive environmental legacy will appreciate this eco-conscious option.
4. Health Benefits: While the electric assist helps on tough terrains, riders can still engage in light physical activity, promoting cardiovascular health, joint mobility, and mental well-being.

Mooncool Safety Design: Built with Seniors in Mind

When it comes to senior mobility, safety isn’t negotiable. Mooncool safety design for elder people prioritizes features that address common concerns:

• Low Center of Gravity: Reduces the risk of tipping over, even on uneven surfaces.
• Enhanced Braking Systems: Ensures quick, controlled stops.
• Comfortable Seating: Ergonomic seats with back support reduce strain during longer rides.
• Visibility Features: Built-in lights and reflectors improve visibility in low-light conditions.

These thoughtful design elements help seniors feel confident and secure, encouraging more frequent use and greater independence.

Affordable Freedom in the City

For seniors, the cost of mobility options can be a barrier. But electric tricycles are an affordable alternative that offers long-term value. They eliminate the recurring costs associated with cars and provide the freedom to explore the city without relying on public transport or family assistance.

Moreover, many cities are expanding bike lanes and e-mobility infrastructure, making it safer and more convenient than ever to use electric tricycles. Seniors can run errands, visit friends, and enjoy outdoor spaces, all while maintaining control over their schedule.

::Mooncool 

The post The Growing Importance of E-Mobility for Seniors in the City appeared first on Green Prophet.

So, I’ve been on this green mobility kick for years as you probably all know by now, helping friends and parents finding ways to ease their city commutes – be it for shopping or shuttling the little ones to school. An electric bike, or e-bike, has become a must for any city parent, and it’s even more convenient and eco-friendly when opting for a previously used e-bike from a cool French company called Upway.

What stands out, on top of what you love as adults, is the options for parents with kids under 9: their selection of electric cargo bikes. Swap out the SUV for an electric cargo bike this year – one that lets you charge and pedal when you want to. It’s fun for the kids, cost-effective for your gas bill, and is a simple way to transport both groceries and the family to their destinations. Upway, with its focus on used electric bikes and a bike they call the Cargo One, is a good stop.

Used electric bikes from Upway are real game-changers for parents. Cargo bikes, originally invented by the Dutch and particularly effective in flat cities like Amsterdam, have been a feature over the years. However, when it’s hot, rainy, and you’re tired, a little electric assistance can make a big difference, especially when it comes with visors and protection for the little ones. 

A refurbished, used electric bike isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reusing and doing good for the planet. Now, when your kids ask, you can tell them that choosing a used electric bike means you’re contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.

Cargo Bikes: Ideal for Parents and the Planet

Upway introduces their electric cargo bike named Cargo One.

So, what exactly is a cargo bike? It’s a bike designed to carry a substantial load, either in the front or back. Upway’s solution places the children in the front – a safer spot for you to keep an eye on them. It’s a joy for children to ride around with friends, and smaller ones can even take a nap on longer rides, a luxury not possible on regular bike seats.

Cargo bikes are emerging as a sustainable solution to urban transportation challenges, offering environmental, economic, and social benefits. Equipped with sturdy cargo compartments, these bicycles are transforming the way goods are moved in busy city streets.

From an environmental perspective, cargo bikes are a breath of fresh air, operating on human power and, in the case of e-bikes, electric assistance. This significantly reduces carbon emissions and air pollution compared to traditional delivery vans or trucks running on fossil fuels.

The compact nature of cargo bikes addresses urban congestion issues, navigating narrow streets and bypassing traffic for reduced congestion and smoother traffic flow. Moreover, when your kids are at school, a cargo bike can serve your delivery business effectively, offering a cost-effective alternative to hiring vans, along with insurance costs.

Beyond the economic advantages, cargo bikes foster a sense of community and make cities more liveable. The only downside? Be ready for people to keep asking you where you got it.

Cargo Bike Safety Tips for Driving With Kids:

• Helmet First: Ensure your child wears a properly fitting helmet at all times when riding in a cargo bike. 
• Secure Seating: Use a well-designed and appropriately sized child seat or harness system to secure your child comfortably within the cargo area. 
• Balance the Load: Distribute weight evenly within the cargo space to maintain the bike’s stability and prevent tipping. Heavier items should be placed at the bike’s center of gravity.
• Visibility Matters: Attach reflective materials or lights to the cargo bike to enhance visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
• Teach Hand Signals: Educate your child on basic hand signals for turning and stopping. This helps create awareness for those around the cargo bike.
• Practice Loading and Unloading: Practice getting on and off the cargo bike with your child in a controlled environment. Familiarity reduces the risk of accidents during stops.
• Mind Your Speed: Maintain a moderate and controlled speed, especially when turning or navigating uneven terrain. Sudden movements can affect the stability of the cargo bike. The safest place for you and your family is on bike lanes, not on the street. 
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure the cargo bike is in good condition. Regularly check brakes, tires, and other components to guarantee a safe and smooth ride for your child.

The post Upway: Navigating Parenthood with Used Electric Bikes and the Family-Friendly Cargo One appeared first on Green Prophet.

Since the UN’s dire climate change report was published, it’s safe to say that many of us have found ourselves taking a closer look at our daily habits. Of course, we all know that fossil fuel companies shoulder most of the blame for the current state of our planet. But when you sit down and think about how your own choices impact the environment, chances are you’ll realize that your personal carbon footprint is bigger than you might think.

If you want to do your part to help the planet, making a few simple changes to your daily routine is a great place to start. Here’s how you can reduce your personal carbon footprint and make sustainability a part of your everyday life.

Shop with reusable bags.

Plastic bags are ubiquitous at most supermarkets. The sad part is these single-use bags are typically used for about 15 minutes before they’re tossed in the trash and eventually buried in a landfill where they never truly degrade. Make your next shopping trip a plastic-free one by using cotton mesh produce bags in lieu of single-use plastics. Reusable mesh produce bags are durable, washable and come with the added bonus of keeping your produce fresher for longer, which means less food waste and plastic waste!

Eat low on the food chain.

Food production is responsible for one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and an overconsumption of animal products is a big reason why. Meat, dairy and other food sources that are high on the food chain require a gobsmacking number of resources in the form of feed, water and land. To lower your carbon footprint, try to eat low on the food chain. Start filling your plate with more fruits, veggies, beans and grains and less meat. We’re living in a golden age of plant-based foods, so take advantage by experimenting with delicious plant-based recipes!

Replace liquid products with solid bars.

Another super simple way to cut back on plastic waste is by replacing your liquid products with solid bars. For example, switching to solid dish soap can divert two to three bottles of dishwashing liquid from a landfill. Plus, solid dish soap is often made with plant-based ingredients, which means the ingredients going down the drain will be better for the environment as well.

You don’t have to stop at dish soap, though. These days, you can find waterless alternatives to all kinds of products, from shampoo and conditioner to lotion and serums. Every swap can make a small but important difference to the planet.

Get serious about recycling.

Visit your city’s website and find your local recycling program. Then, take the time to learn the ins and outs of recycling. If recycling feels overwhelming, try to focus on one new material at a time. For example, maybe you go through a lot of canned food. Getting in the habit of recycling aluminum is a small but impactful step you can take to lower your environmental impact.

Tackle food waste in the kitchen.

The average American family wastes almost a third of the food they buy, amounting to an aggregate value of $240 billion annually. All that wasted food gets buried in an oxygen-deprived landfill, where it emits greenhouse gas emissions as it breaks down. The good news is there are many easy steps you can take to reduce your food waste.

• Plan your meals ahead of time and avoid buying more than your family can eat.
• Get creative with your leftovers! Use leftover ingredients to make delicious soups, burritos, frittatas and more.
• Learn how to compost at home to turn your food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. (Bonus points if you use your fertilizer to grow your own food!)
• Store your food correctly to avoid spoilage.
• Freeze your leftovers before they go bad.

Bonus tip: Ditch the plastic wrap and store your leftovers smartly with silicone food covers. You can use these reusable food covers on bowls, cups, cans, fruit and more.

Consider alternative modes of transportation. 

Unless you drive an electric vehicle, getting behind the wheel means emitting harmful greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint, giving up your vehicle is an excellent way to do it. According to one study, going carless for a year could save approximately 2.4 tons of CO2. 

Of course, going carless isn’t a feasible option for everyone. If you can’t part with your car, commit to driving it less. Here are a few tips to reduce your driving time:

• Ride a bike or walk to your destination when possible
• Take public transit
• Carpool with coworkers and friends
• Take advantage of telemedicine and other virtual technologies

Build a timeless wardrobe.

Buying trendy but cheaply-made clothing is hard on both your wallet and the environment. Rather than waste your money on clothing that won’t last the season (let alone the entire year), focus on building a timeless wardrobe that you can enjoy for years to come. Look for well-made pieces from second-hand stores and online consignment shops, such as Poshmark and ThredUp. If you must buy new clothing, spend your dollars wisely by supporting sustainable clothing brands. Reformation makes the suits below.

Watch your water usage.

Water is a far more valuable resource than most people realize. Although water covers approximately 70 percent of our planet, only 1.2 percent of it is drinkable. 

Being smart with our water usage is essential to keeping our water pure and readily available while also protecting our planet. Here are a few tips to help you curb excessive water usage:

• Install low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets.
• Turn off the faucet while washing your face or brushing your teeth.
• Fix leaks as soon as possible.
• Consider alternatives to grass lawns.
• Keep tabs on your water usage and consider a home water audit.
• Put a bucket in the shower to catch greywater and reuse it for other purposes.

Your Drop in the Bucket Counts

When you think about climate change on a global scale, it’s easy to feel like your personal habits are insignificant. But every small step counts! Collectively, our actions can and do make a difference.

The post How to Reduce Your Personal Carbon Footprint appeared first on Green Prophet.

Cycling is a great sport enjoyed by many people all over the world. Cycling is an affordable, eco-friendly way to travel, explore and can be used to get about on a variety of terrains in many different weather conditions. 

Whatever your reason is for cycling, be it to commute to work, to partake in an adrenaline filled adventure or for a brisk weekend ride, there are many facts about cycling that we wanted to share with you.

1) You can fit up to 15 bicycles in the same space a car would occupy

Our first fact highlights multiple benefits of cycling. Firstly, cycling is a great way to reduce traffic, this helps to make journeys faster for all. The reason why cycling reduces traffic is because bikes take up a lot less space on the road than what a car does. Secondly, and more importantly, cycling is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To put into perspective, riding a bicycle accounts for only 21g of CO2 emissions, which is ten times less than a car produces. This means that the more people who switch from using a car to a bicycle, the less CO2 is released into the atmosphere.  

2) it is 20 times cheaper to maintain a bicycle than a car

You heard it here first, it’s pretty obvious, we all know cars can be a money pit. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a new car or an old car, either way you are more or less going to have to spend money on it again for one reason or another. Although a bike does need to be maintained and things can go wrong, a bicycle is much cheaper to maintain and what’s more is that you can maintain it yourself fairly easily.

There are amazing resources out there nowadays meaning within minutes you can find a how to guide, a video or an affordable course to teach you everything you need to know to fix or maintain your bike. One company who provides useful cycling maintenance tips, tricks and step by step guides is Cycle Maintenance Academy.

3) The same energy that is expended for walking can be used when cycling to go three times faster.

Many people assume that cycling requires a lot more effort than walking, however, research indicates that the same amount of energy that is expended for walking can be used in cycling. What people don’t know is that for the same energy required to walk, you can cycle and significantly travel 3x faster. 

Many people assume that cycling requires a lot more effort than walking, however, research indicates that the same amount of energy that is expended for walking can be used in cycling. What people don’t know is that for the same energy required to walk, you can cycle and significantly travel 3x faster, and there are plenty of natural cycling recovery supplements around for optimal muscle recovery and hydration, with options like coconut water and electrolyte-rich fruits among the most popular. 

4) 40% of all Amsterdam’s commutes are made on a bike

If you have ever been lucky enough to visit the stunning city of Amsterdam, its hard to miss the mounds of bicycles all over the city, stored in ‘car park’ style areas dedicated to parking up and securing your bicycle. It’s a well known fact that in Amsterdam you have to look out for Bikes probably more so than cars when crossing the road because they’re so agile they can seem to appear from nowhere. Remember to listen out for the ringing of a bicycle bell approaching warning you to stay or move out of their way. Interestingly, Amsterdam is a particularly clean city, which makes us wonder if that 40% of commuters who travel by bike are really making a difference and the impact it could have if 40% of the global population were to commute via bicycle instead of by car. 

5) The energy and resources used to create one single car can be used for the creation of up to 100 bicycles.

Most of the facts that we’ve discussed so far have demonstrated that cycling is most definitely an environmentally friendly alternative that more of us should consider. Even more significantly is the resources used in the production process of a car and how using that same amount of energy could be utilized to make 100 bicycles. 

Overview of cycling facts

We hope this article has helped give you a better insight into cycling and the huge difference it can make to our carbon footprint. Maybe you may now consider the benefits of choosing to commute to work via bicycle instead of by car. Hopefully, as cities work hard to integrate better cycle routes, the cars on the road will decrease along with the pollution we create.

The post 5 fast facts about cycling appeared first on Green Prophet.

Are you looking for a fun and healthy activity to enjoy with friends or family this fall? Bike riding is in season every season, especially if you visit some of the best trails and paths along the coast. Fall is a perfect time for coastal bike rides because of smaller crowds and excellent weather. Here are some of the best coastal bike trails to check out this autumn when you want a break from your regular routes.

Riding your Bike on or by the Beach

Before you head out, you may want to know a few tricks to make beach riding easier, especially if you are more accustomed to road cycling. Not every bike is ideal for coastal rides; a women’s and men’s comfort bike or hybrid can handle sand well and help you shift from paved paths to off-road conditions. Some people prefer an early start in the day when the winds tend to be calmer; you may want to wear layers if the morning is cooler. Also, sunscreen is a must any time you are outside. Make sure you and your riding companions have plenty of water to avoid dehydration when riding, especially if the temperatures prevent you from working up a sweat.

Best Coastal Bike Trails

Now that you know the basics for a successful ride, where should you go? The US has miles of coastline waiting for you to explore. Some cyclists avoid the Southeast during the fall when hurricane season is in full swing, but the New England coastline is ideal, thanks to the colorful foliage. Check out these two spots for an unforgettable ride:

• Cape Cod Rail Trail – This 25-mile ride gives you both forest and coastal vistas to enjoy. The paved trail goes from South Dennis to Yarmouth, with stops in six Cape Cod towns along the way.
• The Lake Champlain Bikeway – Large lakes may not be your typical autumn coastal ride, but this 1,600-mile system of loops and trails takes you from upstate New York through Vermont and across the border to Quebec with plenty of leaf-peeping and water views.

If you rather stick to the Pacific Coast for a beach ride or a gentle bike trail for kids near me, plan a visit to one of these locations:

• Kitsap Peninsula Trail – You’re in for a treat with an autumn ride through this network of coastal bike paths through Puget Sound. Stick to north-south trails for a more leisurely ride; the east-west routes may be better for advanced cyclists.
• Santa Catalina Island – If you avoid this nearby island during the busy summer, then plan for riding the 40 miles of trails in autumn. See if you need a permit for some routes and take a hard helmet to comply with local regulations.
• Huntington Beach Bike Trail – at 8.5 miles one way, this may not be the most strenuous, but fall is a much more enjoyable time to take your electric bikes to Orange County for a ride without the crowds.

Hopefully, these suggestions can get you excited about biking this fall. No matter what coast you visit, you are sure to enjoy the benefits that a bike ride delivers.

The post Best Coastal Bike Rides for the Fall appeared first on Green Prophet.

Cycling, e-biking or walking can help tackle the climate crisis – even if you swap the car for active transport just one day a week – according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Oxford’s Transport Studies Unit.

Emission targets are unlikely to be met without a significant move away from motorised transport, according to the researchers, and shifting to active transport could save as much as a quarter of personal CO₂ emissions from transport.

Published in the journal Global Environmental Change, this is the first study of the carbon-reducing impact of city-based lifestyle changes and it reveals that increases in active mobility significantly lower carbon footprints, even in urban European contexts with a high incidence of walking and cycling.

‘By following nearly 2,000 urban dwellers over time, we found that those who switch just one trip per day from car driving to cycling reduce their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes over a year, representing a substantial share of average per capita CO2 emissions,’ says the lead researcher, Oxford’s Dr Christian Brand. ‘If just 10% of the population were to change travel behaviour, the emissions savings would be around 4% of lifecycle CO₂ emissions from all car travel.’

Dr Brand says, ‘Our findings suggest that, even if not all car trips could be substituted by bicycle trips, the potential for decreasing emissions is huge.’

Researchers found active travel substitutes for motorised travel – and increases in cycling, e-biking or walking over time independently lowers mobility-related lifecycle CO₂ emissions. And swapping the car for a bike or e-bike for just one day a week – or going from ‘not cycling’ to ‘cycling’ – drastically lowers mobility-related lifecycle CO₂.

The analysis comes as UK, and the world, enters the 2020s – what needs to be a ‘decade of action’, if global goals to limit rising temperatures are to be met. Ahead of this November’s COP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow, countries are expected to submit enhanced pledges to tackle emissions.

To put this into context, for the cities in this study, average per capita CO₂ emissions from transport (excl. international aviation and shipping) ranged between 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year in the UK to 2.7 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year in Austria. According to the Global Carbon Atlas, average per capita CO2 emissions from all activities were eight tonnes per year in the UK (on a consumption basis).

The largest benefits from shifts from car to active travel are for business travel, followed by social and leisure trips, and commuting to work or place of study. The finding that those who already cycled had 84% lower CO₂ emissions from all daily travel than non-cyclists further shows the population benefits of travelling actively that already exist.

The study collected primary data on daily travel behaviour, journey purpose, as well as personal and geospatial characteristics in seven European cities and derived mobility-related lifecycle CO₂ emissions over time and space.

Statistical modelling of longitudinal panel data of 1,849 study participants was performed to assess how changes in active mobility, the ‘main mode’ of daily travel, and cycling frequency influenced changes in mobility-related lifecycle CO₂ emissions.

Dr Brand says, ‘A typical response to the climate crisis is to ‘do something’, such as planting more trees, or switching to electric vehicles. While these are important and effective, they are neither sufficient nor fast enough to meet our ambitious climate targets.

 ‘Doing more of a good thing combined with doing less of a bad thing – and doing it now is much more compliant with a ‘net zero’ pathway and preserving our ‘perfect planet’s’ and our own futures.

‘Switching from car to active mobility is one thing to do, which would make a real difference, and we show here how good this can be in cities. Not just for the climate but also for reducing social inequalities and improving public health and quality of urban life in a post-COVID-19 world.’

Cities across the world will need to increase investment in high-quality infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporate policy and planning concepts that require a fairly radical rethink of our cities and is likely to reduce inequalities because the concepts involve mixing different population groups rather than maintaining the model of residential zoning by socioeconomic status currently used.

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It’s 2020 and the world is slowly becoming more environmentally conscious. For most of us, it’s about creating better habits in our day-to-day lives with positive, sustainable changes.

The thing is, when was the last time you considered this when it came to choosing the place for your next date? I know I haven’t and chances are, it’s the same way for most of us.

In this article, I’m about to give you 7 fun date ideas that are also a positive for the environment. After all, the more areas of our lives where we can make this a priority, the smaller our footprints can be.

Heck, if Las Vegas can work on going green, I don’t see why it’d be a struggle for the rest of us!

Go on a picnic

Not just any old picnic but a zero-waste picnic, at that. If you’ve never tried this before, the challenge in itself can be part of the fun.

While being truly zero-waste might not be practical, the closer you can get the better. Rather than disposable plastic cutlery and cling wrap, find better solutions. Reusable containers, regular cutlery and beeswax wraps all make a big difference.

You could even take it a step further and make your own beeswax wraps too! If you’re a little intimidated by sitting face-to-face for a couple of hours you can always look up a great list of flirty questions to ask that will keep the conversation going.

Cook at home together

You can either integrate this into your picnic plans or do it as a standalone activity, but either way it’s a great option. It’s fun to get creative with the food you’re taking and it also helps to keep the costs down.

On a recent date, I invited her over to make vegetarian sushi together. We experimented with different ingredients, packed it all up and went for a walk to a local lookout to enjoy it.

I find it far more interesting than just ordering food at a restaurant and it’s nice to work together as a team, too.

With around ⅓ of the world’s food going to waste each year, even the act of cooking can help reduce our total waste!

Go for a bike ride

Bikes are one of my favorite eco-friendly ways to get around downtown and explore new things. Get out in the sunshine, exercise and enjoy the sights and sounds around you.

This makes it a fun date idea too. You can explore so much of the city together and stop at anything that takes your fancy.

Visit the local farmers market

Farmers markets are a great way to support local and buy plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. They’re about so much more than local produce though, often packed with local artwork and performances too.

This makes for a fun date with so much to see and do. No matter what you’re both into, you’re bound to find something of interest.

Since farmers markets tend to have a strong focus on sustainability, you can also do it with a clear conscience. You might even come across some helpful products or ideas you hadn’t thought about before.

Walk to your favorite vegan or vegetarian restaurant

Whatever your stance on the topic, reducing meat consumption does have a positive impact on the environment.

You don’t have to “be a vegetarian” to eat at one of these restaurants and they’re a very simple substitution to make. Believe it or not, both of these diets are about more than just eating salads.

Walking to and from the restaurant is a great opportunity to work off some of your meal and chat too. I find it to be a relaxing end to a date and the perfect time to escalate if things are going well. Far better than driving two cars there and finding parking spots.

Explore new parts of your city together on foot

Just like cycling around downtown, doing it on foot can be a great option as well. Unlike in a car where you’re so insulated from your surroundings, you have the opportunity to slow down and take it all in.

Enjoy the sights and sounds around you, appreciate each other’s company and make it up as you go. In fact, my favorite way to do this is to start with a single plan and let the day unfold on its own.

Since you’re both making it up on the fly, the possibilities are endless and nobody feels pressured for time. Depending on the weather and fitness levels, you can really cover some ground this way.

I did this last year and a casual Saturday stroll turned into lunch, healthy snacks, dinner and over 20 km of walking! Things were going so well, we were enjoying our time in the sun and neither of us were in a hurry to leave. Personally, I’d consider that a successful (and eco-friendly) date.

Pick an outdoor sport you can both enjoy

If physical activity is something you’re both down for, outdoor sports are ideal. You’re getting some fresh air and exercise and don’t have a need for gas or electricity.

For some added fun you can both find something you haven’t done before and figure it out together. There’s something very disarming and humbling about being bad at a new activity which I find to be helpful to dating.

So long as you keep a positive attitude and remember that it doesn’t actually matter if you’re any good, things go well. The idea here isn’t to show off your skills at a sport, it’s about spending time with your date and doing something unique.

You just never know, today might be the day you find your new favorite activity and you get to do it with someone else.

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There’s seven simple, fun date ideas to get you started. Once you start to build these eco-friendly habits into your dating life as well, it’ll slowly become second nature.

We all have a responsibility to do our part and it’s really not that hard to do it in this context either.

The post 7 Great Eco-Friendly Dates appeared first on Green Prophet.

These days, there are more eco-friendly ways to move around, thanks to the launched eco-friendly initiatives. The world is turning to eco-friendly ways of doing things, and traveling is part of these initiatives. Whatever you are using to roam around the city, make sure it’s eco-friendly. What are these ways? This article will discuss some of the eco-friendly ways you can use within the town. Here is the list.

Bicycles

Other than not emitting carbon monoxide, cycling is one of the best methods for exercising. When was the last time you were on a bike? The good thing about any type of bicycles is that they don’t use fuel and are low in maintenance. They can also move in narrow places and lousy terrain, where vehicles can’t maneuver. Also, some states have constructed cycling paths within the main road to accommodate cyclists. Other than keeping you healthy, riding a bike is fun. Get one today and use it within your city. 

Scooters

Very few people own scooters but believe me, they are the best when it comes to moving in town. Scooters give zero emissions and can be used daily, especially when exercising and moving from one point to another over short distances and flat surfaces. The good thing about electric scooters is that they are easy to learn, assemble, and maintain. You can check out the best electric scooter for adults and make your choice. Other than adults, you can get scooters for your kids and enjoy the fun together.

Hoverboards

Not everyone can ride hoverboards, but they are the best eco-friendly modes of movement within the town. You only need to stand on them, balance yourself, and off you go. For starters, you might need some training. They don’t use costly gas nor give out fumes, making them the best in towns where greener regulations are in place. Hoverboards come in handy in areas where there is so much traffic, especially during rush hours. 

Walking

Walking is the cheapest mode of movement and eco-friendly because it doesn’t use any device or equipment. It’s just your legs. Besides moving from one place to another, walking is also the best way of exercising your body and keeping fit. Besides caring for the environment, you are also managing yourself and have better benefits than vehicles since you get to enjoy vast scenery while walking.

Trains

Do you live in an urban settlement? If so, you have come across commuter trains. These are the best eco-friendly modes of movement that carry masses. Nowadays, trains are becoming greener, since there is an introduction of electric trains that are swift and do not emit carbon monoxide. One added advantage of a train is that it’s safe and doesn’t get caught in traffic jams. 

Skates

Skates have been used over time as modes of movement in flat terrains. They can pass in areas where cars and motorcycles can’t pass and do not use any fuel, thus producing no gases. With skates, you get to exercise while having fun at the same time.

Other means you can check out include using buses, taxis, and also conducting carpooling with your neighbors. With the effects of climate change, we need to be swift in coming up with eco-friendly living ways. Get the best mode of travel above and help keep our environment green. 

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