Today you can help to make a difference by throwing your weight behind 'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day'.

Government is asking residents to leave their cars and motorbikes at home and either catch the bus or ferry into work, or walk, run or cycle.

The idea is to encourage healthier lifestyles by burning those calories, and at the same time reducing pollution and global warming in the environment. As an incentive to encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport, all buses and ferries will be free today.

Government staff will be on hand at "major arteries" on the Island 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'.

Minister of Health Nelson Bascome said yesterday that more than 500 people had already registered to take part in today's event.

"We at the Ministry of Health are delighted with Bermuda's amazing response to the first 'Burn Fat Not Fuel Day'," he said.

"Burning body fat instead of fossil fuels is a great way to protect the environment and our health. Remember that a one-mile walk can burn the equivalent calories of a small doughnut; and a two-mile jog can burn off two slices of that pizza you had last night."

Mr. Bascome said that by leaving cars and motorbikes at home, residents could help "make a big difference to fuel consumption, traffic congestion, air quality and our carbon footprint".

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.

"The BEC trusts that the owners and management of its member companies will support their employees who wish to back the initiative, as it may take longer than usual to get to work," the organisation said.

BEC President Graham Redford added: "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 he and his wife would be walking from Warwick Academy to Hamilton, and urged road users to drive carefully around the expected increase in pedestrians.

"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," he said.

Senator Thaao Dill added: "As a single Bermudian I feel it's socially responsible for me not to have a car and feel I can get around on public transport quite adequately. I am hopeful this event can highlight ways of being more environmentally aware while at the same time becoming healthier, and I'm sure everyone who participates will have a great time."

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 onto: www.health.gov.bm by Sunday.

* How did you get to work today? Did you take part – tell us why. Email us at news@royalgazette.bm