The only fuel you need to walk is food and drink. Cars, on the other hand are very expensive and inefficient in their fuel consumption. You can reduce your carbon footprint by walking shorter journeys instead of driving. You’ll also save on petrol costs, not to mention the health benefits!

I am sure most of us are guilty including myself of driving a car on unnecessary short journeys to the corner shop or a friend’s house but this is bad for the environment but is something that nearly half of us have owned up to doing. According to the Energy Saving Trust, 48% of people in the UK use their car for journeys they could have completed in a more sustainable way at least once a week.

I have personally started to walk more often not only for environmental reasons but also my health, I often walk alone and listen to music however with the winter months creeping in my will power is starting to drop so I have found this website online which offers a walking group for any ages and abilities to join throughout the Rochdale area. Here is a link that you may find useful www.rochdale.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/be-active/walking-for-health

Health Benefits

Walking also has many benefits to your health as well as the environment.

Reduce weight and maintain your weight loss

You’ll burn around 75 calories simply by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes. Up your speed to 3mph and it’s 99 calories, while 4mph is 150 calories.

Relieve depression and anxiety

It’s true – exercise boosts your mood. Studies show that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, releasing feel-good endorphins while reducing stress and anxiety. So for positive mental health, walking’s an absolute must.

Walking boosts vitamin D

We all need to get outside more. Many people in the UK are vitamin D deficient, affecting important things like bone health and our immune systems. Walking is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while getting your vitamin D fix.

Walking prevents dementia

Older people who walk six miles or more per week are more likely to avoid brain shrinkage and preserve memory as the years pass. Since dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80, we reckon that’s a pretty great idea.

Walking strengthens your heart

Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by walking regularly. It’s great cardio exercise, lowering levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. The Stroke Association says that a brisk 30-minute walk every day helps to prevent and control the high blood pressure that causes strokes, reducing the risk by up to 27 percent.