Government is to calculate the island's carbon footprint from its daily commute, using figures from today's 'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day'.

Residents are being asked to leave their cars and motorbikes at home and either catch the bus or ferry into work, or walk, run or cycle.

'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day' aims to encourage healthier lifestyles by burning calories, and at the same time reducing global warming from fossil fuels. As an incentive towards using more sustainable modes of transport, all buses and ferries today are free.

Minister of Health Nelson Bascome said: "These small steps make a big difference to fuel consumption, traffic congestion, air quality and our carbon footprint.

"Simply leave your car or bike at home and then tell us what you did. By doing so we'll be able to estimate the total fuel Bermuda saved on the day, and the total calories we burned as a country."

He said: "Burning body fat instead of fossil fuels is a great way to protect the environment and our health."

Government staff will be on hand to ensure all passengers are accommodated, while two extra ferries will be on standby between Rockaway and Cavello Bay, and in Hamilton Harbour.

Terry Spencer, Service Officer of Marine and Ports Services, said: "This is a first-time event for us so we don't really know where the demand is going to be, but we will be on call to make sure all passengers get to work on time."

Due to the public school holiday this week, Government does not expect to have to lay on extra buses. Senator Wayne Caines, Junior Tourism and Transport Minister, said: "We've prepared for every eventuality, so we can reassure the public we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to ride the bus tomorrow."

'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day' marks the final day of Public Health Week and celebrates the theme of World Health Day ¿ 'Protecting health from climate change'. Following today's initiative, Government will calculate the total fuel saved and calories burned on the Island, by asking people to provide feedback on their journeys.

The Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC) has appealed to businesses to be lenient on work arrival times.

BEC president Graham Redford said: "Friday will be very much outside of the routine for a lot of people so it's conceivable that employees will arrive at work a little later than they planned. Additionally, it is possible that bus and ferry commuters may be delayed as we anticipate that public transportation may be busier than normal.

"We commend local companies and employees who have already thrown their support behind the 'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day' and we hope it will be a resounding success."

The Bank of Bermuda is one of those companies, and yesterday CEO Philip Butterfield said: "We are pleased to be part of 'Burn Fat Not Fuel' ¿ an initiative which we believe is full of potential and possibility. Whether it encourages us to use public transport for simply one day or to leave our vehicles at home on a more regular basis, this initiative will have made great strides.

"However, ultimately the most important potential outcome is that we start to change our lifestyles and shift our attitudes for the betterment of our health, our environment and our community."

Mr. Butterfield said Bermuda could also set an example to other nations with the environmental initiative.

"This is an opportunity to change the way we live in Bermuda and to make Bermuda the envy of the world," he said.

Sen. Caines said: "We are encouraging those members of the public who travel in cars and bikes to work to exercise care, caution and courtesy for those who will be cycling, walking or running to work."

Residents taking part in 'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day' can win an iPod Classic by providing details of their journey to Government. Either telephone the Health Promotion Office on 278 6504 today or log on to www.health.gov.bm by Sunday.