Win £25 by inspiring others to switch to greener and healthier travel habits
The Surrey's Greener Future challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Surrey to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the 'Greener Future Star'. Kathryn was chosen as our latest winner and received 25,000 BetterPoints (£25) for sharing her story. For your chance to win £25, download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page!
Kathryn from Redhill used to do bit of walking, but it wasn’t until she signed up to the BetterPoints app that she became motivated to walk to the shops. Now, she commutes on foot every weekday, rain or shine. Here is what she had to say:
Before joining the Surrey’s Greener Future challenge, what were your travel habits like?
“I wasn’t a massive walker, but I wanted to be. I would drive the children to school and then to work afterwards, and for all sorts of other journeys. I was barely moving all day.
The app spurred me on to change. The first time I reached 5,000 BetterPoints and saw the vouchers I could trade them for, like a Sainsbury’s gift card, the penny dropped. The app is basically money in your pocket for doing something positive.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“I only live a mile away from Redhill town centre, so at first I started to walk to town instead of driving to pick up a few bits from the supermarket.
Movement breeds motivation to move more, so I began walking to work, which is about 20 minutes away. It was easy at first when the weather was nice, then came a few rainy days. My husband was fully expecting me to jump back in the car, but I told him ‘no, I’m not stopping’. I bought myself a good quality umbrella and carried on.
Walking is actually quicker than driving, you don’t have any hold-ups in traffic, and you have the confidence of knowing if I leave at a certain time I will get there at a certain time. You don’t have the stress of trying to find a parking space either.
My walk to work is brilliant, I love it. I have not driven my car there once since September.
And it isn’t just me, my family are signed up and walking too. My husband will come and meet me at work on his days off and we’ll walk home together, whilst my daughter isn’t asking me to pick her up from school anymore.
The only time I use the car is on a Friday for a big family shop, and occasionally for ferrying the kids on the weekend.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“It’s the points! We’re all motivated by the rewards. We’re all really competitive and like to compare how we’re doing against each other.
I like to see the carbon emissions too. It’s been really eye-opening seeing how a few short journeys can make a big carbon saving. Many people think they won’t make a difference, but the app shows swapping out the odd car trip can have an impact.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“I definitely feel the mental health benefits. After a tough day at work, the walk back calms me down. By the time I’m home I’ve de-stressed. I don’t bring the agitation into the house.
Physically, I have increased stamina to do longer walks, and from a financial point of view I’ve saved a fortune by driving less.”
Not yet earning rewards for walking, wheeling, cycling and taking public transport? To join Surrey's Greener Future simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR below and tap Challenges to get started.
