Get To Work - A Success

Switching Gears

One Week Campaign – October 2011

Switching Gears – Get to Work can be considered a success.  The campaign week provided an opportunity for the College community to learn more about “other than single use vehicle transportation” methods.  Our goal was to promote the idea of getting to work differently and to publicize our blog spot “Gettowork – Switch Gears”.  Our focus is on health for the body and the planet.

During the week, various modes of transportation were featured at a display table in the cafeteria.  Belleville Transit Bus Schedules were made available and information is posted on the blogspot with regard to bus services in and around Belleville.  On Wednesday, a presentation on bicycle safety and maintenance was delivered by David Beer to a group of about 7 people.

It is difficult to determine the actual number of participants during the one-week campaign as not everyone knew about the reporting mechanisms set in place.  Transportation surveys were completed by 33 individuals.  It is difficult to calculate with accuracy the CO₂ output that was diverted as there are many more factors that must be taken into consideration than were asked on the survey.

Of the 33 people that completed the survey it is estimated that almost 75% of their normal CO₂ output was diverted due to the fact that they either worked from home, ride shared, or bussed.  The people that biked normally bike and therefore there is no change in CO₂ output for them.

Congratulations to everyone who participated!

TRACKING SHEETS - HERE!

Don't forget to track your alternative kilometers! check the link for a quick and easy way to do this. Get to Work Tracking Sheet

SWITCHING GEARS POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 3 - 7, 2011!

Get to Work - Switch Gears one week campaign had to be postponed due to unforseen circumstances - The challenge is on, but the week of October 3 - 7!

travel to work differently - use ride sharing, bus riding, bike riding, walking, instead of single-use vehicle! It is healthy and eco-friendly.

If you participate, don't forget to fill out a tracking sheet so we can see how much CO2 we saved - and in the long run how much gas money was saved!

Sustainable transportation initiative - Loyalist College

We plan to start a movement like that in the city of Peterborough where they run a competition and campaign named "Peterborough Moves - Get to work differently". Following their model, we hope to begin our own movement in Belleville; "get to work - switch gears" - and encourage alternate means of transportation.

Oct 3 to 7, 2011 Travel to Loyalist in a sustainable way.

What are the possibilities: bike, jog, walk, take the bus.  If you live too far away or there is a big hill in the middle of your path arrange to carpool with someone or arrange with your boss to work from home a day or two.

Did you know?

Cars produce an average of 0.3 kg of CO₂ per km. Riding a bike produces no greenhouse gases or any other emissions. 10% of the trips made in urban areas are less than one kilometer, while 30% are less than three kilometers – ideal distances for cycling or walking!