Anti-pollution move kicks off in Coupar Angus during Feb

Coupar Angus is aiming to save 10,000 car miles this month in what is being billed as ‘Fewer Fumes February’.

The initiative is part of the town’s continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Ian Simpson of the Lower Carbon Coupar Angus (LCCA) project, funded by the Climate Challenge Fund, is co-ordinating the scheme.

He says that although saving 10,000 car miles in a month sounds ambitious, he believes it is achievable.

Ian explained: “It couldn’t be simpler to get involved all you need to do is record journeys you make in February on foot, by bike, by bus, by train or by liftsharing with someone else.

“The journeys only count if you would normally make them in a car, so if you go for a leisure cycle or take the dog for a walk, although they are great things to do, they shouldn’t be included in your savings.

“But, if you take the bus to Blairgowrie and back one day instead of driving, you would be making a saving of 10 car miles.

“All we need you to do is let us know how many miles

Ian Simpson

you’ve saved at the end of the month. If enough people get involved we think we can save 10,000 car miles.

“And by taking part, you will be saving carbon as well as saving money on fuel and perhaps getting more exercise.

“There are forms in the High Street Store in Coupar Angus that you can use to record your savings, or if you prefer to do it your own way that’s fine too.”

Ian said that pupils at Coupar Angus Primary School would also be supporting the initiative by walking or cycling to school.

He added: “There is no doubt that human-induced climate change is already upon us - the challenge for us all now is how can we minimise the magnitude of change and adapt to our changing environment.

“The good news is that there are things we can do to help to make a difference, including reducing our car miles.”

Completed forms or records can be dropped off at the High Street Store or sent to calowcarbonliving@ gmail.com.