Nudj and Presca Collaborate
Last year, I found myself driving through a place I grew up and knew well. I tried to take a short back road to get to the main road and was struck by a huge red sign detailing a “Low Traffic Neighbourhood” Scheme; this is the first time I was introduced to the initiative to tackle the increasing carbon emissions from cars in areas heavily populated by the elderly, young people and families.
Throughout this period of 2020-2021, this scheme helped reduce 5% of all car journeys in the measured area, equating to around 4500 fewer vehicle journeys and also incentivising the local community to opt for active transport methods - cycling, e-biking or walking (Lambeth, 2021).
Nudj is collaborating with Presca, the world’s first climate positive sportswear brand to feature the Drive-Free Day challenge on the Nudj app. The collaboration launches on 1st August, and for those taking part in the challenge, there will be the opportunity to receive a discount code enabling you to explore Presca’s amazing clothing range, allowing you to look and feel good!
Nudj’s Drive-Free Day Challenge
Our Nudj app has a Drive-Free Day challenge that allows participants to track one day a week where you do not use your car. Completing this challenge allows you to save on average 9.6kg of carbon emitted and 20.1 miles driven, scoring you 100 points on the app. And if you are able to achieve multiple drive free days during the week, this will further increase your impact and help you get in the habit too.
When participating in your Drive-Free Day challenge, utilise your phone’s map features to plan your journey in advance and begin benefitting from the lower fuel and parking costs, and helping the environment one small Nudj at a time.
Here are four benefits of introducing drive-free days in your weekly plan:
Carbon emissions per capita for transport in the UK averages at 1.8 tonnes per year (Brand, 2021), and whilst London has the lowest average rate in the country, more can be done to reduce emissions emitted which in turn improves public health and the quality of urban life. Active Transport allows commuters to walk, cycle or take public transport to work as opposed to driving resulting in better air quality for everyone. Cycle lanes, no-car zones and an amazing public transport system help make your drive-free days as smooth as possible.
The More Scenic Route
Whilst most benefits point towards financial or environmental gains, from a mental health perspective going for a walk or cycle can be beneficial to us all. When you travel actively, you get the unique opportunity to see, smell and hear things you never notice while driving. Whether that’s cutting through the local park or a trail you cannot drive down, you can explore all the aesthetics your community has to offer.
Safer for Children
It’s no shock that areas that have lower numbers of cars on the road also have lower numbers of car accidents. Because of this, schools have begun making their roads no-car zones during the beginning and ending of the school day, and have also implemented Walk to School schemes and bike huts as a way in which young children can actively travel. Quieter roads with less accidents are always a great reason to add drive-free days into your weekly travel schedule.
Cost-Effective
With fuel costs rising over 30% since the start of the year (Auto Express, 2022), there has never been a better time to begin looking for alternative methods of transport. Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge are two costs that are among the many drivers have to deal with, that were introduced to incentivise commuters to find alternative methods of transport. Statistics show 71% of all journeys made in England in 2020 were under five miles (Department for Transport, 2020), mainly consisting of short trips to the supermarket and school, and could be travelled by bike or foot, saving you money and helping the environment.
“Sharing and learning as we grow, making change and leaving things better than we found them, driven by our passion for the outdoors.” Presca’s mission is to empower the community through clothing using ethical and sustainable practices. Active Transport involves walking, scooting or biking as opposed to the conventional method of driving, and Presca’s fashionable sportswear allows you to not only look great but feel great knowing that the clothing is ethically-sourced and better for the environment.” Presca
Written by Reche, Community Marketing Lead at Nudj Limited, August 2022