New UBD drives greener car use

With over 14 million registered vehicles in Australia there is no doubt we’re a nation of car lovers. However we are also an increasingly ‘green’ nation, keen to reduce our environmental footprint and aware of the impact driving has on habitats, air pollution and climate disruption.

The first street directory of its kind in Australia, the UBD® 09 Green Directory is aiming to help shape the way consumers think about transport and the environment and how they use their cars now and in the future.

Andrew Ford, UBD Marketing Manager, said the Green UBD® is about encouraging Australians to ‘get out and be greener’ as it gives people practical advice on ways they can be more environmentally conscious, without changing their lifestyle.

“The Green UBD® Street Directory initiative was launched in response to Australian drivers becoming increasingly aware about the impact their driving is having on the environment,” said Mr Ford.

Recent research from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), involving a nationwide transport survey uncovered 79% of motorists now claim to be concerned about the impact of car usage on the environment, an increase from 73% in 2005 and 64% in 2003 .

The new UBD® 09 Green Street directory is just like the original UBD® only ‘greener,’ printed on 100 per cent recycled paper with soy based ink and the cover is 100 per cent biodegradable.

UBD®’s latest directory also includes a ‘Guide to Getting about Green’, developed with the support of the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW and other environmental agencies.

“Transport is part of our daily routine; however it is one of the many areas that we can approach differently in the next decade. The ‘Guide to Getting about Green’ suggests ways we can make a difference to the environment taking into consideration our different travel needs and lifestyles,” said Mr Ford.

Environmental advocate and ‘Do Something’ Chairman Jon Dee says that although car dependency is unlikely to change in the short term, initiatives like the Green UBD® give conscious consumers ideas to help them reduce the environmental impacts of their driving.

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“It’s great to see organisations nationwide increasingly offering more green choices and solutions, be it for food, living or travel. Buying the UBD® Green directory gives people a choice to try a greener alternative. The UBD® focuses on solutions, giving people simple steps, tips and minor changes that they can easily action to reduce their environmental footprint.

“When reading the Green UBD tip sheet, I was surprised to learn that properly inflating your tyres and regularly servicing your car can save you up to 10 per cent on your fuel consumption!” Mr Dee said. “The good news is that making small changes like this will save you money as well as the environment.”

The Green UBD® is available from department stores, newsagents, automotive stores, bookshops or at your local service station.

One important thing to remember when purchasing the new UBD® is to recycle your old one – don’t just dump it! Visit recyclingnearyou.com.au for information on your nearest recycling outlet.

For more information or review copy requests please contact:

Michael Bernard – The PR Edge
P 03 8416 6821, 0421 988 797
E michael.bernard@che.com.au

Sophie Harley – The PR Edge
P 03 8416 6852, 0403 317 628
E sophie.harley@che.com.au

Lucinda Tippett – Sensis
P 03 8653 5836, 0448 271 123
E lucinda.tippett@sensis.com.au