ECO-MINDED residents and visitors tracking their active travel in the district have saved
the equivalent of 340 return flights from London to Paris in carbon emissions.
They have been participating in the Choose How You Move in Warwick District challenge. It runs until August 8 and is free to join and participate in.
It aims to encourage residents across the district to get active and choose a sustainable means of travel when out and about anywhere in the district – whether in their local area or visiting town centres.
Participants earn ‘BetterPoints’ for each sustainable journey they make, which can be converted to high street vouchers to redeem in big name or independent shops such as Smithery or Torry’s Hardware in Warwick.
Alternatively, points can be donated to a range of charities including The Myton Hospices and Warwickshire Pride.
Launched in January 2021, the challenge has so far seen over 600 users rack up an 142,000 miles in sustainable travel – saving over 34,000kg in CO2 emissions.
More than 2million points have been earned by participants so far – worth over £2,000 in redeemable vouchers.
The challenge is organised by Warwick District Council (WDC) in partnership with BetterPoints, an award-winning behaviour change technology.
It is funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and WDC in association with the Council providing venues for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls and Cycling Road Race events.
The initiative complements the district council’s aims to encourage active communities, improve air quality, and support town centres and the local economy.
Users of the BetterPoints app also benefit from a boost to their health and fitness by monitoring their levels of physical activity through the app.
WDC climate change spokesman Coun Alan Rhead said: “I’m pleased to see the results that this incentive has had so far. It’s clear to see that choosing sustainable travel, even in place of one or two trips you would normally make by car, can make a big difference to the climate as well as your own health and wellbeing.
“The challenge also provides a unique opportunity for both visitors and businesses. Choosing to travel sustainably can improve your health as well as others by actively reducing emissions in the district.
“For businesses, it’s a chance to entice customers, both old and new, through their doors with bespoke offers and incentives to encourage active travel and generate that extra and much needed business.”
Local businesses are encouraged to visit chym.betterpoints.uk/page/local-retailers to find out more about the free-to-join scheme and sign up to support it.
