Jack has been trying to make his behaviours reflect his core value for the environment. With the encouragement of EcoGo, he has gone some way to achieving this. Here is what he had to say about the BetterPoints app and the challenge:
Before joining EcoGo, what were your travel habits like?
“Before university I would share lifts with my parents or friends, as I don’t drive myself. When I started at Sussex I would carshare 2 to 3 times a week to travel to campus, as it was convenient and allowed me to arrive earlier.”
How has the app helped you to travel more actively and sustainably? What features do you enjoy?
“I really like the automatic tracking function. You don’t have to do anything other than confirm your activities at the end of the day. It is satisfying to tick them off and see what you’ve achieved.
I like the incentive of the points rewards, especially because you can use them to support local businesses like Roots and Hoots. I use them regularly for food deliveries, so I’m currently saving up to redeem one of their vouchers.
I use other sustainability apps like Too Good To Go, which is designed to tackle food waste, and I feel the BetterPoints app complements them really well.”
How have your travel habits changed?
“The app has encouraged me to use the bus and train more. I bought a railcard which has provided an extra incentive too. I’m regularly getting the train from Brighton to Falmer, even if it is to spend just a few hours on campus. I have to wake up a bit earlier than before, but it isn’t a huge change to my routine.
As a geography student, I’m well aware of the negative impact that driving has on the environment so I know a little effort can make a big difference.
I’m walking a lot more as well, both for leisure and work. I’m going for nightly walks, rather than just once or twice a week. I have an impressive step count these days!”
Have you noticed any benefits as a result?
“Walking more has definitely helped my mental health. Wrapping-up and going out in the evening really helps me to de-stress.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I work for the university to organise trips for local colleges to visit Sussex. Lots of prospective students ask about getting to campus and travelling around Brighton & Hove. I make sure to encourage them to download the app and make use of the great public transport!”
A big thank you to Jack for sharing his story with the EcoGo community. He is our latest ‘Sustainable Sussex Travel Star’ and we would love more participants to share their story, so we are offering you a chance to win 5,000 BetterPoints too. Just look out for an invitation to share your story in the coming weeks.
We are also offering some Countdown to Christmas rewards to encourage you to keep travelling sustainably in spite of the colder and wetter weather.