Earth Day 2008: Driving green

When it comes to driving, it's not easy being green, even on Earth Day. After all, we need cars to commute and run essential errands. Plus, as a nation, we love the freedom cars provide. But even providing for our work and family needs, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact from our motoring.  Besides buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle, here are some suggestions that can be applied today with your current vehicle:

Car pool: There are many companies that offer ride-share programs that match you with others in your area. Another option is to check with co-workers or friends in the neighborhood to see if they are going your way. Telecommute (aka work at home) if your company permits it. This will save both fuel and, another precious commodity, your time. When possible, go shopping with family and friends, rather than alone, and "chain" together multiple destinations into one trip.

Park it: Leave your car at home and take public transportation if available, or use a bike, walk, or roller skate for more local trips. The latter options will give you some exercise, too.

Get flexible: See if your employer will allow a flexible schedule, so you are not commuting during peak rush hour times. Also, run errands at off hours to avoid driving in congested traffic.

Lose weight: Remove unnecessary cargo from the trunk, such as salt, sand, or shovel left over from winter driving. Removing a roof rack, you can lighten your load, reduce drag, and aid fuel economy. For SUVs and trucks, remove (or avoid buying) heavy push bars and side steps.

Slow down: Drag rises with speed. Slowing from 75 to 55 mph boosted gas mileage 33 percent in testing performed on a sedan and in a large SUV.

What are you doing to be a greener driver? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

—Liza Barth

For more suggestions on how to live more green, visit Consumer Union's Web site Greenerchoices.org and our Earth Day special section. For more tips on saving fuel and alternative fuels, see our fuel economy guide.

Comments

[peter]

Nice post on the occasion of "Earth day".
Simple suggestions for anyone to follow.

[Jacky]

I agree with you, we have to save our planet, our environment ... so we can use bikes or walk too.

Sell my car

[Wilson]

If I pull up to a light just as it turns red - meaning that I will have to sit for longer than 15 seconds, I turn off my engine. I then turn my car back on when the traffic light in the opposite direction turns yellow. It seems to have made a nice difference in my overall mpg.

[David]

How about a story on the devastation to thousands of square miles of land (e.g., in Canada) caused by mining/refining the nickel/cadmium that goes into hybrid vehicle batteries? This devastation is a huge "external/social" cost not captured in the sticker price of such vehicles. Are pollution controls on such mining/refining so costly as to make said mining/refining commercially unfeasible for hybrid/plug-in vehicle purposes?

[john]

Well, nowadays, to reduce pollution caused by my car, and reduce the amount of money I am burning on gasoline, I use public transports daily. Though traveling maybe more difficult and slower, the burden for my pocket is lighter and I guess somehow the pollution caused daily is reduced by a few kg.

[Ben]

You forgot the critical step of checking your tire pressure every few weeks. This not only saves on gas, it also reduces the risk of catastrophic failure.