Weekly 'good living' guide: transport

It's Friday, and it's another (belated) installment of our Good Living Guide. Where do the days disappear to?

This week we're taking a look at transport in our day-to-day lives, and exploring a few alternative options for getting around.

Cars are oh so convenient, and driving everywhere is ever so easy. The problem is that dirty word - emissions.

Transport is a huge contributor to the amount of CO2 we pump out - just short of 30 per cent of the CO2 we produce in the UK comes from transport. If we all changed the way we got about we'd make a huge and immediate reduction in emissions. We need to start today. So to help us on the way, here are a few ideas.

Driving to visit your gran when she lives ten miles away is one thing, but jumping in the 4x4 to drive round the corner to your mate's house, well that's just downright silly, even if it is raining (brollies we're invented for a reason). Yet somehow this sort of behaviour has become the norm, and we need to kick the habit.

For journeys less than 2 miles, do anything to avoid the car. Walk, skip, jump your way - whatever tickles your fancy.

Petrol prices are through the roof and suddenly bikes are gaining in popularity (hurrah!). Cycling keeps you fit and in cities it can be quicker than driving. If you need more persuading, here are three reasons to cycle to work:

• big leg muscles
• going down a hill
• wheelies (health warning - remember to wear a helmet when you wheelie).

Complaining about public transport is as much a part of British life as fish and chips, discussing the weather, and afternoon tea. Where would we be if we couldn't moan about the trains running late? But let's take a moment to concentrate on the good side of getting the bus or the train:

• you get to sit next to strangers
• no need to find somewhere to park
• no £30 fine for talking on your mobile
• far less emissions than travelling by car.

That's almost it, there's just one last thing. If you're still not convinced how much fun walking can be, have a watch of the video below. Then make sure you post us your walking, cycling, rambling, skipping, jumping, busing, tramming or training stories in the comments.