Transport for LondonHow to make your week a shade greener
Recycle, recycle, recycle
Millions of free papers are distributed in the capital each week, and many are left on trains and buses. In 2008/09, London Underground (in partnership with contractors) recycled 40 per cent of
station and depot waste.
To play your part:
- Use recycling bins wherever possible on your journey
- Take your paper with you and recycle it at work or home, rather than leaving it on your seat or in the nearest rubbish bin
Driving down pollution
Many journeys which are less than a mile are quick and easy to walk these days.
They also offer you a great way to discover new sights as you go.
Here's how to get started:
- Legible London's signs and maps provide you with information to help you find your way in the capital more easily. Go to tfl.gov.uk/legiblelondon to find out more
- Log on to www.walklondon.org.uk for stacks of information on walks, a 'walk finder', events and more
- Transport for London's Walking Journey Planner - tfl.gov.uk/walkingjourneyplanner helps you find fast or enjoyable trips on foot which you could incorporate into your journey to work
- 'Walking Works' - go to www.walkingworks.org.uk for useful resources and support to help you walk more
Smoothly does it
If you drive, harsh acceleration and braking makes pollution worse.
Try these useful tips:
- Change gears at lower revs to save fuel
- Keep tyres at the right pressure - under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by around two per cent
- Speed up and slow down smoothly - it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions
- Perhaps consider taking some refresher lessons, to iron out those bad habits
The pull of pedal power
Take up cycling. Not only will you benefit from the exercise, you'll help cut down on vehicle pollution.
Ways to get started:
- Cycle routes, maps, guides, tips and more are available at tfl.gov.uk/cycling
- The first two of 12 Cycle Superhighways are scheduled to open in the summer
- Cycle training is a great way to gain the skills and confidence to enjoy cycling in London. It's available, often free, from your local council and helps adults and children alike to be happier, safer riders
Share and share alike
Consider car sharing and halve the cost:
- Talk to your local council about setting up car hire clubs. Members have access to a local pool of cars
- There are already around 800 car club cars in the capital. Search www.carclubs.org.uk to find the nearest to you
- Transport for London's londonliftshare.com website is another useful one to go to
