4 Reasons to Ditch the Keys

Want to improve your health and help protect air quality in our community? Well, you’re in luck. This Friday, Ditch the Keys Week officially kicks off in central Arkansas as part of Metroplan’s Ozone Action Days. Throughout the week of May 19-26, we’re all encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation such as biking, walking, carpooling or telecommuting to help reduce harmful ground-level ozone.

Need some convincing before giving up those car keys? Here are just four reasons why you should participate:

1. It’s good for your health. Who doesn’t want to burn calories and boost their muscle tone? With regular walking or biking, you can reap health benefits like reduced belly fat, decreased stress, greater energy and a stronger heart. According to Live Strong, even incorporating just 30 minutes of walking into your day can help you maintain or lose weight.

2. You’ll help the environment. Ground level ozone is created when pollutants like vehicle exhaust, chemical solvents and industrial emissions mix with sunlight — causing negative health impacts like chest pain, throat irritation, congestion and more. By ditching the keys, you’re reducing the emissions and pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone in our environment.

3. You’ll score great freebies and discounts. A free cookie for riding our bike? We’re in. When you register at the Ditch the Keys website, you’ll receive a digital coupon for discounts and freebies from local restaurants and shops like Box Turtle, Domestic Domestic, The Pantry Crest, Community Bakery, South on Main and more. (Psst! Check out all the goods here.)

4. It’s easy. Don’t worry if you can’t walk, bike or ride public transit to work. You can still participate in Ditch the Keys Week by committing to small acts like walking to lunch, biking to the gym or carpooling with friends to the grocery store. These small changes in your daily routine can have a positive impact on your health and the air we breathe.

Ready to ditch those keys? Register here. And don’t forget to share your walking, biking or riding photos with us with #heysoiree on Instagram.

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