project breathe
PROTECT OUR PLANET
inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, we have a mountain to climb
OUR PLANET NEEDS TO BREATHE
The first step towards truly appreciating our amazing environment is to get out there and see it for yourself. Explore away from the crowds, with a minimal carbon footprint and breathe it all in.
It’s crucial we also help preserve the places we visit and contribute towards positive and meaningful environmental change. Which is why we’re focusing our energy on supporting organisations that advocate green policies and take much needed action to protect and restore our planet.
“The earth is what we all have in common.”
We strongly believe in the benefits of spending time in the natural world for our health and wellbeing, so we’re passionate about ensuring the natural world is preserved for generations to come. Together we can protect the environments we cycle in and preserve them for everyone to enjoy. The actions of individuals, cumulatively, have the power to change the world.
Our mission is to discover and share cycle routes, in some of the most beautiful parts of the world, through our bike tour guide books, GPX routes and inspirational content published in our Journal. While we promote and give access to these special places, we must also give back and promote their wellbeing, as well as our own. Our profits are donated to world class organisations with manifesto’s that do exactly that.
We all owe a debt to these non-profit and for-profit organisations, and particularly to the many employees and volunteers that support them. By supporting chasing HIGHS, you can not only make the most of your time exploring our extraordinary planet, but also contribute towards preserving it for the years to come.
SUPPORTING
4Ocean is an amazing for-profit organisation which cleans the oceans and coastlines, recovering trash seven days a week, while working to stop the inflow of plastic by changing consumption habits.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit tackling climate change, protecting land & water, providing food & water sustainability and helping to build healthy cities.
The Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit working to make responsible business the new normal. protecting forests and improving the livelihoods of communities by helping them mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Most people want to take action to combat climate change, but with so many issues to tackle, and causes worthy of our attention, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Is it really possible for individuals to make a difference to the seemingly insurmountable problems we face? The answer is, a firm, yes!
So where to start? We recommend thinking about what you can do on a micro-level; small individual lifestyle changes that accumulate over time and macro-level actions; pushing governments to change policies and campaigning for companies to adapt their businesses.
MICRO ACTION
Choose non-plastic products wherever possible, such as bamboo alternatives to everyday items like toothbrushes and especially avoid single use plastics, for more ideas download and read our guide below “10 ways to kill plastic today”.
Buy groceries that are grown locally and organically, and for those which can’t be sourced close to home, the Rainforest Alliance certifies products such as coffee, bananas, tea and chocolate (a cyclists diet essentially).
Reducing the amount of “stuff” we consume will have the greatest benefit to the planet, so make conscious purchasing decisions and break routine old habits. Every time you buy an item a manufacturer will make another to fill the demand so think twice about whether the world really needs more stuff. Of course, consumption can’t be avoided entirely so reusing and recycling to avoid unnecessary waste is the next best choice to take.
Reducing your carbon footprint is second nature for cyclists. On short journey’s take your bike instead of the car, even the smallest efforts will accumulate to make a big difference. If you can find time for a few longer journeys too, you’ll not only save on emissions but improve your fitness as well.
Inspire others to follow your example, small changes in our lifestyles are notable and when put into action can become infectious. You can change the world one habit at a time, and by sharing your insights with one person at a time. Encourage those who you are close to, to see the true value of our natural world and understand the impact we have on it.
MACRO ACTION
Use your voice. Climate change is now widely understood and our role in destroying the world is commonly accepted as an issue that needs to be tackled. However the speed at which we need to take action is not so well appreciated. Lobby your local government by demanding commitments to tangible and ambitious goals to protect our natural world.
Vote for representatives that will make environmental change a priority and who share your passion for progress. Hold them accountable for the promises they make and the standards they set out by visiting group meetings and having your say.
Choose which companies you support, when purchasing their products or services, carefully. Reward those who are already sustainable, others will quickly follow if enough consumers change their preferences to sustainably produced and biodegradable products. Use social media to promote companies that are progressive and call out those which continue to live in the past.
“The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves. ”
Find ways to donate to non-profit and support for-profit organisations, that carry out essential work for all our benefit. They rely on your generosity to fund projects throughout the world. There are many ways to give, by becoming a member of the organisation, monthly donations and fundraising through friends and family.
Volunteer to change your world by finding local charities that need extra hands to get involved. You could gain conservation experience by cleaning up a beach or restoring a nature reserve. Volunteering is the most time intensive and often the rewarding way to show your support and make a real difference. You’ll see your world changing for the better in front of your eyes while helping shift perceptions of the problems we face.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?
Let’s be honest, making lasting changes to our hectic lifestyles isn’t easy and many of the most critical actions will mean big changes to the way we live.
So we went in search of some small steps we can all easily take right now, which will accumulate to make a big difference. The planet needs your help so let’s take that most important first step together.
LEARN MORE
Essential reading for those who want to go a step further and make a lasting difference by changing our lifestyles today. These books give eye opening accounts of the real world damage we are causing daily and practical remedies we can all take.
As head of oceans at Greenpeace, Will McCallum is on the front line of humanity’s global fight against plastic. This timely book not only explains how we got into this mess, but most importantly offers an optimistic and proactive approach as to how we can get out of it.
If you’re trying to make changes at home, this is a brilliant handbook written by people who live ‘normal’ lives and have witnessed the struggle when trying to live a plastic free life. Here the marine conservation society presents a day in the life of a plastic detox.
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