BetterPoints Oxfordshire allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Oxfordshire Star. Lucy was chosen as our latest winner and received 20,000 BetterPoints (£20) for sharing her story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Didcot resident Lucy was intrigued by the idea of earning rewards for making greener and healthier choices with BetterPoints. As a mum, and someone who works in environmental science, she saw it as a way to get active with her daughter while teaching the importance of caring for the planet. Here is what she had to say:
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
“It was a Facebook advert. I am a money saver so the opportunity to earn vouchers for free piqued my interest. Plus, I work for an environmental science research company whose ethos is about doing good for the world, so I’m always interested in things that align with this.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“Instead of driving to school, we’re now walking when we can. It’s a journey of about a mile, but my daughter only has short legs so it’s quite the walk for her!
She’s in Year 2 and is learning about the environment at the moment. In simplistic terms, she knows that walking instead of driving is better for pollution levels and the planet as a whole. She recently made a poster about it.
My daughter knows about the app, which is cool. It’s a good way to engage her in the topic and help her learn about the benefits of walking, which seems like a valuable life lesson.
We’ll also opt to do the food shop on foot rather than use the car. It’s obviously more challenging having to carry the heavy bags but we know the benefits it brings.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“The points, of course! I like the weekly round-up of minutes of physical activity, CO2 avoided, and calories burned that it gives you. It’s nice to see the progress you’re making.
It’s great also that it ticks away in the background without you having to engage with it all the time.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“Fitness, for sure, but also a new appreciation for the little things I used to miss when driving.
I’ve noticed the blooming flowers, neighbours I’d never seen before, and even how the air smells after it rains.
Walking has given me a chance to slow down and be more present in my environment, and to have proper conversations with my daughter about all the silly things we see, which we don’t get in the car.”
To join BetterPoints Oxfordshire, simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR code below and register an account with your Oxfordshire postcode. If you live outside but commute in to the county please enter the referral code: bpoxooa.
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