Although a gas-guzzling car is not the greenest mode of transport, in reality many of us are reliant on a car in our daily lives. If you are trying to lessen your family’s impact on the environment but still need a car to get from A to B, I have great news. I am going to share 9 simple eco-friendly driving habits that can make your car go greener! You have certain options concerning driving that you can put to use to help the environment and everyone who shares this planet.
Eco-Friendly Driving Tips:
Plan your route when traveling
If you will be taking a long car ride to another location, make certain to plan the shortest, most direct route before you leave your home. By planning your route beforehand, you can also prevent yourself from getting lost and using up extra gas trying to get back on course. Not only does this benefit the environment by using less gas, it will also help you save time and money.
Maintain your vehicle
It will help the environment if you maintain your vehicle and keep it in the best working condition. Change your oil regularly and make certain that your tires are always properly inflated. Use your air conditioner only when necessary.
Drive safely and maintain a regular rate of speed
Of course, you should always obey the speed limit, but it also saves on fuel consumption when you avoid speeding. Practice safe driving and travel at a regular rate of speed without sudden episodes of acceleration and deceleration.
Keep your vehicle light in weight
To experience better mileage, remove all unnecessary weight from the trunk of your car. If you have bike racks on the roof and are not using them, take them off for the present time and put them on when you need them.
Accomplish more errands in one trip
Cut down on trips running errands by accomplishing as many tasks as you can at one time. As well as saving fuel, this also cuts down on the amount of wear and tear your vehicle will have to endure and saves you time.
Carpool
Whenever possible, arrange carpools to take the kids back and forth to school and to go to the office. By sharing rides with other individuals, there will be fewer vehicles on the road.
Shop close to home
Get your shopping accomplished close to home rather than traveling farther distances and using more fuel. Many times, when you use tactics that are easy on the environment, they will also save you time and money in the process.
Use public transportation
Whenever possible, leave the car in the garage and use public transportation. For short trips, you might even consider walking. You will save on fuel consumption and will also be getting healthy, beneficial exercise.
Avoid idling
When you allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 seconds, it will actually use up more fuel than if you were to restart the car. Longer idling also puts more CO2 into the atmosphere. You may even want to turn your car engine off when you are stopped at a traffic light that takes a while to change.
There are many ways that you can drive more safely and also help the environment. Get into the habit of using the eco-friendly driving tips listed above. You will help save time, money and the planet!
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Robin says
Great tips! We have no public transportation around here (we live in the boonies), but my sister lives in a suburb of Boston and hardly ever drives because she takes the train everywhere.
Mary West says
Love the tip about not idling–I have heard that one before, and it is such an easy way to make a change…especially when I’m stuck in traffic or sitting at the drive-thru with kiddos!
In the winter, I let my kids take a blanket with them into the car, so I don’t have to leave the car running with the heat blasting before we leave.
Scarlet says
Great tip about the blanket!