Nursery manager wins sustainable travel prize

The manager of a Tameside childcare company has been named one of this month’s winners of an award for commuting to work sustainably.

Elaine Sagar, CEO of Sunflower Childcare Group, with Children’s Centres in Hyde and Stalybridge, became the most recent winner of the 1dayaweek campaign monthly prize for walking to work.

The Mosodi 1dayaweek campaign, backed by Tameside Council, encourages people to make small changes to the amount they drive to work and utilising  more sustainable travel options, such as walking, car share, cycling, or public transport,

Elaine feels that signing up the business to the campaign goes hand in hand with their efforts to become more sustainable. She said: “We signed up for 1dayaweek as part of our welfare initiative to encourage staff to adopt healthier and more sustainable travel habits. It has promoted a positive impact by inspiring staff to choose active or eco-friendly transport options, walking to work, improving wellbeing, and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Businesses that sign up to the campaign will receive a digital promotion pack to send to staff, who will then be able to take part in the prize draw for two £100 vouchers each month.

Elaine will be donating her prize to the charity Reuben’s Retreat who support families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities.

Elaine said: “At Sunflower Childcare, we have stopped using disposables and encourage our children to recycle daily, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. We also have an allotment where we grow our own fruit and vegetables, teaching children about sustainable practices and healthy eating from a young age.”

Cllr Denise Ward, Tameside Council Executive Member for Climate Emergency & Environmental Services, and Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are thrilled to see how staff at Sunflower Childcare have been taking part in the 1dayaweek campaign and it is inspiring for Elaine to donate her prize to such a worthy cause. This initiative not only supports our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions but also promotes healthier lifestyles for employees.

“We encourage all Tameside businesses to participate and take advantage of the resources available through the campaign. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and community wellbeing.”

As well as the digital promotion pack, businesses signing up will receive all the information needed to take part in the campaign along with more details on sustainable travel.

Tameside businesses looking for more information or wanting to participate can email 1dayweek@mosodi.co.uk to receive a free promotion pack.