A new UK law might bar parents from driving onto to campus to drop their little ones off for school. The policy is meant to encourage kids to walk a little more, with the hope that encouraging even a little bit of exercise might help with the growing childhood obesity epidemic. 10 years of walking an extra 30 minutes by foot a week could save 28 lbs of excess fat, increasing the likelihood that they will be healthier in their adult years.
The Institute for European Environmental Policy did several studies and found that 81% of households in the UK have at least one car; in the '70s, only 59% of homes had vehicles. Autoblog noted that "Parents are averaging an additional 27 miles per year carting their kids to school than they did back in 1982, and Brits of all ages average 20 less miles per year walking than in the 70s."
Not only will implementing a policy like this help kids slim down, but it will also help save the environment. Saving miles also saves a lot of unnecessary emissions going into our atmosphere.
Parents should set a good example and start walking a little more themselves. By walking only half an hour a day (to the train, walking the kids to school), the average parent would be save themselves about 50 lbs on their own waistline in their child's first decade of school.
Banning Cars In School Zones
UK Encourages Kids To Walk
Trend Themes
1. Encouraging Walking - The trend of encouraging kids to walk more is an opportunity for businesses to create innovative solutions that promote physical activity and combat childhood obesity.
2. Reducing Car Usage - The trend of banning cars in school zones presents an opportunity for industries to develop alternative transportation methods or technologies that can replace car usage and reduce emissions.
3. Environmental Sustainability - The trend of implementing policies to save miles and reduce emissions emphasizes the need for industries to focus on sustainable practices and develop eco-friendly solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can capitalize on the trend of encouraging walking by creating fitness programs, walking accessories, or innovative technologies that make physical activity more engaging and accessible.
2. Alternative Transportation - The ban on cars in school zones opens up opportunities for the alternative transportation industry to develop innovative solutions such as electric scooters, bike-sharing systems, or safe walking paths to facilitate active commutes.
3. Green Technology - The focus on reducing car usage and emissions creates opportunities for the green technology industry to develop electric vehicles, efficient public transportation systems, or carbon offset solutions to promote environmental sustainability.