Dubai, UAE-- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2010 -- Eton Institute, the UAE’s largest language institute, distributed bicycles and nol cards as part of a unique ‘Go Green, Travel Smart’ initiative launched with the support of RTA. The giveaway marked the finale of the month-long campaign to encourage residents to adopt eco-friendly modes of transport such as cycling and using public transport. As part of the campaign, the Institute also shared daily ‘Green Tips’ through its Facebook and Twitter pages highlighting small steps individuals can take that make a big difference to the environment.

Dr. Eli Abi Rached, Director, Eton Institute commented: “A recent study has found that over 40% of an average urban dweller’s carbon footprint comes from using personal transport such as cars, motorcycles and flights. This is an alarming fact but it indicates great potential. By just making simple changes in the way we travel we can drastically reduce the damage to the environment. This was the philosophy and motivation behind the ‘Go Green, Travel Smart’ initiative. Through this campaign we were able to raise awareness about this fact and inspire individuals to make more responsible transport choices.”

Abdullah Al Madani, CEO of RTA's Corporate Technical Support Services Sector praised this initiative taken by Eton Institute, describing it as a pivotal step towards spreading such a kind of awareness and inculcating the culture using the public transport modes amongst the Eton Institute learners who attend their classes on daily basis that requires hassle-free, safe and smooth transit modes.

"We, in RTA, highly rate the efforts exerted by the government, semi-government and private organizations to encourage and motivate their staff and clients to use the public transport modes including the metro, public buses and water buses in their daily commutes," said Al Madani.

For his part, Peyman Younes Parham, Director of RTA's Marketing and Corporate Communications said: "Students are a good percentage of public transport commuters and we have very positive feedback from them on how public transport, especially the Metro has made daily commuting a lot easier. The 'Go Green, Travel Smart" campaign from Eton also brings attention to the fact that all the modes of public transport have been implemented with long term sustainability in mind. The effort of Eton to promote public transport is greatly appreciated. We look forward to supporting similar initiatives from educational institutions in the future as well."

The ‘Go Green, Travel Smart’ campaign was launched with the support of RTA to address the ‘one-passenger per car’ culture and to encourage people to maintain a balance and not use wasteful private means of transport when there are alternative options available. Bringing the month-long campaign to a successful end, Eton Institute gave away 5 trendy bicycles and 50 nol cards each loaded with AED 50 credit through a lucky draw within its community of learners taking a course or a workshop at the Institute.

For more information about the ‘Go Green, Travel Smart’ campaign, or the services and special offers at Eton Institute visit http://www.eton.ac or call 800-Eton (8003866) to speak with an adviser. To receive latest updates about monthly promotions, free offers and other CSR campaigns, join Eton Institute on its Facebook and Twitter fan pages.