Training: Low-carbon transportation

In this workout programme, we will practise climate-friendly transportation, that is, we’ll reduce our carbon footprint by moving from one place to another with the lowest possible emissions. 

Finns use cars more than before, even for short trips. Approximately half of all trips of 1–3 km are made by car, and one in five trips of less than 1 km are made by car. This is an easy starting point for adopting more climate-friendly ways of getting around. When you switch the car to cycling or walking, no carbon dioxide or fine particle emissions are generated. Your body thanks you too, as you can take care of part of the daily dose of physical activity at the same time. 

Hopefully, at least one exercise in this programme will find its way into your normal daily routine. 

“climate-friendly movement improves health”

Those cycling to work are almost 50 per cent less likely to develop a cardiovascular disease or cancer than passive commuters. Those walking to work are 30% less likely to get these diseases than passive commuters. 

In the video, coach and personal trainer Joosua Visuri reflects on the health and climate benefits of exercise. 

Here are your exercises!

In your neighbourhood 

• Go at least once a week to the grocery store, a hobby or the workplace without the car. Use public transport, cycle or walk. If public transport in your area is poor, think about what other errands you could take care of during the same trip. What about an electric bike? Would that suit you? 

• Try new equipment, such as a kickbike, rollerblades… Plan your day’s trips in new and inspiring ways, using muscle power. 

• Try living a week without using the lift even once! Not at work, not at the mall, not anywhere. You can only get an exemption if your workplace or home is higher than on the fifth floor: in that case, it is enough to climb the stairs at least once a day. 

At the workplace 

• Ask your employer for a company bike or e-bike – that’s a great trump card in activating the staff! 

• Sign up your team to the Kilometrikisa cycling competition, participate in the Mobility Week and Stair Days, and describe your team’s Exercise Day of Your Dreams on social media! 

Travelling 

• Travel in Finland on your holidays and discover new places nearby. Prefer, whenever possible, the train and bus. 

• Travel from one place to another by land. Quit using domestic flights altogether. 
• The next time you book a flight abroad, compensate for your CO2 emissions. You can do this, for example, in the CO2Esto service.