Carbon Footprints?

We are being urged from all quarters these days to “DO SOMETHING” about global warming. This usually comes with the assertion that if we all do lots of little things it will help. I am sure we are all trying to do our bit, recycling, not using the standby on the TV etc. When it comes to cutting down on the use of the car perhaps we are more reluctant. Surely, as a group we can try and work out ways of reducing the number of cars going to the start of each walk. We are a very dispersed group and there is no sensible common starting point for our walks. That may make it more difficult and I know there’s already some car sharing but we should still try and do better.

Just think about the last few walks you have been on. How many cars arrived with only one person? If we can cut these down as well as saving the planet we are saving ourselves some fuel costs and easing congestion in parking spots. I am sure you will all have your own ideas about how to do this. Let’s have them. In the meantime here are a couple of suggestions: Leaders of walks, which are at the edges of our territory could put down the starting place but also add a car consolidation spot. Walks in the Hope Valley could consolidate in Calver or Bakewell. Walks in the Roaches at Friden. Walks in Ashbourne or further south at Matlock. Perhaps it would help if there were an extra place on the programme for this, that way the programme secretaries would always ask the question.

Individuals could make it known that they are willing to share. For instance; Ian and I are reasonably regular Sunday and Wednesday walkers. Anyone going on a walk and passing through or near to Youlgrave could give us a ring and we could share. We could leave one car on our drive or meet up at Friden [SK171607] for instance. We are on 01629 636350.

Sue Weatherley