Kazakh residents are actively
joining the Car-Free Day challenge organized by the country’s Ministry of
Culture and Information as part of the nationwide Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan
environmental campaign. The initiative invites anyone interested to spend the
entire day without using a car, choosing instead to travel on foot, by public
transportation, bicycle, or scooter. The project’s goal is to promote
environmental care. Participants are encouraged to share a photo or video of
their car-free day using a designated hashtag. The top 10 posts will receive
special prizes.
«Over the past three years, more
than 1,000 citizens have participated in this campaign. This year, it is
actively supported by the corporate and business sectors, quasi-governmental
organizations, as well as national companies and eco-volunteers. Each year, we
organize campaigns specifically aimed at enhancing environmental protection. We
have held more than 200 events and supported over 90 eco-volunteers
initiatives. We also support the Taza Kazakhstan national campaign,» said Aidana
Galimova, project manager of the nationwide project Birgemiz: Taza Alem.
According to the Bureau of
National Statistics, as of June 1, 2024, the number of registered vehicles in
Kazakhstan has surpassed five million, with buses accounting for just over two
percent. An increasing number of people in the country are consciously
switching to scooters or bicycles, showing care for air quality in their
cities.
What People Are Saying:
I support this campaign! It has a
positive impact on health. Our family gets around the city on bicycles; my
children and I all have bikes.
Of course, I support it. I’m not
driving a car today, I’ve chosen eco-friendly transport.
Of course, I support it! We often
travel on foot.
Getting around the city without a car is very
difficult because you need to go to work, pick up and drop off your children.
It’s difficult to manage without a vehicle.
Yeah, sure! I’m for expanding
cycling infrastructure and staff like that as well. It sounds good to me.
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), nine out of 10 people worldwide are exposed to air with
high levels of pollutants. Industrial facilities are a major contributor,
followed by motor vehicles. Modern scientists report that a single passenger
car emits, on average, around 800 kg of carbon monoxide, 40 kg of nitrogen
oxides, and nearly 200 kg of various hydrocarbons through its exhaust gases.
