7. Take A Purposeless Walk: Walking Without A Fixed Destination Is A Simple Delight

Introduction – Walk Instead Of Drive

Less and less people walk for transport.  But even fewer walk just for walking’s sake.  That is such a shame.  Because when you walk just for the fun of it both your legs and mind can wander off to delightful places. Let’s go through reasons for walking instead of driving.

Walking benefits the environment and your health at the same time

Reducing your carbon footprint means looking for ways to substitute high carbon emission activities with low ones. Walking in lieu of driving is one such way. Why is walking instead of driving good for the environment? When you walk instead of drive, you emit far less carbon into the atmosphere. Cars and trucks release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air, which contribute to climate change. Walking emits much less carbon dioxide, so it’s a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint.

What Are The Benefits Of Walking?

Aside from reducing your carbon footprint, there are many benefits to walking instead of driving. Walking is a healthy form of exercise and can help you stay active and keep your heart healthy. It can also help you save money on gas and car maintenance. Walking can also be a more enjoyable and relaxing way to get around. You can take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and it can be a great way to explore a new area. Additionally, walking can have environmental benefits as it helps to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

How Much Should One Walk Every Day?

The amount of walking recommended per day depends on your individual goals and fitness level. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps of 5 miles walking per day. AHA also notes that there is a health benefit to taking even a minimum of 2000 steps per day, and that the benefits of taking more than 7500 steps level off. It also reveals that the origin of its own recommendation of the 10,000 step rule is unknown.

Are There Any Dangers In Walking?

There are very few dangers associated with walking, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings. Walking can be hazardous as it increases the risk of injury and getting lost, as well as the risk of being attacked or hit by a car. To ensure safety, one should be aware of their surroundings, take precautions such as wearing appropriate shoes, and drink plenty of fluids if walking in hot weather. Other than that, just enjoy the fresh air and the exercise!

How Much Carbon Is Reduced By Walking Vs Driving?

The amount of carbon reduced by walking vs driving depends on a number of factors, including the distance of your walk, the fuel efficiency of the car, and the number of people in the car. Generally speaking, though, walking will always result in lower emissions than driving. Let’s estimate the amount of carbon saved.

A typical car emits 4.6 tons of CO2 per year from an average 11500 miles traveled, at an average fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon. This translates to about 400 grams of CO2 emitted in a one mile drive. Now, a human is breathing out carbon dioxide whether driving or walking. Let’s say the human walks at a very slow pace, which keeps the CO2 output constant as if he/she were driving. Therefore every mile walked saves 400 g CO2.

Eliminating Use Of A Car

The reduction in use of a car will make cars last longer, and reduce demand for cars, which in turn reduce their manufacture. The add-on effect therefore is the reduction of the carbon footprint induced by the manufacturing process. This is made up by the positive effects of better health and less carbon emissions at the population level.

Invest In Good Footwear

Incorporating walking as a form of exercise not only benefits your health, but also helps reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of vehicles for transportation. To maximize the positive impact of walking, it’s essential to invest in a good pair of shoes that provide comfort and support. By choosing a sustainable shoe brand that uses eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices, you can amplify the environmental benefits of walking, ensuring that your efforts to stay fit and reduce emissions contribute to a healthier planet for all.

Walk As A Couple

Explore picturesque landscapes and connect with nature on a walking tour or hike, the perfect eco-friendly experience for couples seeking adventure, bonding, and a shared appreciation for the great outdoors. Walking fits into “shared experiences” for 2 or more people. With a significant other, taking a walking tour or a hike fits into the broader category of experience gifts for couples.

Lindsay Wilson
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I founded Shrink That Footprint in November 2012, after a long period of research. For many years I have calculated, studied and worked with carbon footprints, and Shrink That Footprint is that interest come to life.

I have an Economics degree from UCL, have previously worked as an energy efficiency analyst at BNEF and continue to work as a strategy consultant at Maneas.  I have consulted to numerous clients in energy and finance, as well as the World Economic Forum.

When I’m not crunching carbon footprints you’ll often find me helping my two year old son tend to the tomatoes, salad and peppers growing in our upcycled greenhouse.

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