You can meaningfully reduce environmental damage from your vehicle by combining low-mileage habits, efficient driving, and selecting greener options. Here’s a practical plan you can start with today. What to do now
- Drive less and plan trips efficiently
- Combine errands into one trip and avoid unnecessary car use.
- Consider alternatives like walking, cycling, or public transit for short trips.
- Carpool when possible to cut the number of trips.
- Drive smarter
- Accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and maintain a steady speed to improve fuel economy.
- Avoid idling; turn off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute.
- Keep tires properly inflated and wheels aligned to improve efficiency.
- Schedule regular maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil, and tire rotation) to keep the vehicle running efficiently.
- Choose greener options when possible
- If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, prioritize fuel efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions; options include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles.
- Look for vehicles with favorable fuel economy ratings and low tailpipe emissions.
- Reduce vehicle loads and energy waste
- Remove unnecessary weight from the car, and avoid roof racks if not needed, as extra weight and drag increase energy use.
- Use the air conditioner sparingly; at moderate speeds, it’s often more efficient to use it judiciously or rely on natural ventilation when feasible.
- Consider alternative mobility and urban options
- Use bike-sharing, walking, or transit for commuting where practical.
- If you must drive, consider eco-friendly routes and avoid peak traffic to minimize stop-and-go driving.
Longer-term strategies
- Monitor your footprint
- Track your fuel economy and carbon footprint to see how changes affect emissions over time.
- Advocate and support greener infrastructure
- Support policies and programs that expand safe cycling lanes, electric vehicle charging networks, and reliable public transit in your area.
If you’d like, share details about your typical trips (distance, city vs highway usage, vehicle type) and whether you’re open to alternatives like biking or public transit. A tailored plan with monthly targets and a simple checklist can be created to fit your schedule.
