We all know that oil is a limited resource… and that the emissions from burning oil in our cars is causing harmful global warming. Even if you don’t believe in global warming, putting gas in your car is expensive… so how can you cut your fuel use, and at the same minimize your carbon footprint? Here are 7 tried-and-true ways to cut your carbon emissions…
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Walk or Cycle to Work
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Photo Credit: jeremyhughes
I live in a suburb of Detroit, otherwise known as the Motor City. Most of our neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks, mostly because we want people to buy cars and use them for everything… but it would save a lot of gas, and greatly reduce carbon emissions, if the people who lived just a few miles from work could walk or ride a bicycle there!
Plan Your Errands
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Photo Credit: trisarahhtops
If you’re spending a day running errands, try to plan them in a way that makes sense, so you’re not driving across town twice, instead of making a big, easy circle. This saves time, cuts your carbon emissions, and makes you less stressed!
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Take Public Transit
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Photo Credit: pamhule
If at all possible, take public transit. This can be a bus, subway, or train. These still use fossil fuels in some way, but they’re much more efficient, since they cart so many people to their destination. Some buses and trains even run on alternative fuels.
Buy a Fuel-efficient Car
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Photo Credit: etravus
You don’t have to drive a Prius to cut your carbon emissions while driving, but you might want to consider driving something more fuel-efficient than your HUMMER. Even SUV’s are becoming more fuel efficient, so when you’re looking at buying a new car, aside from the safety and styling, look for something that runs more miles on that same gallon of gas. You might also want to look at a gas-electric hybrid… and there are others out there besides the Prius, like the super-cool Ford Fusion hybrid.
Car-pool
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Photo Credit: j6 photo
If you have to drive to work, and you can’t or don’t want to take public transit, consider car-pooling. This can work in so many ways, one where poolers take turns driving each week, or when the same person drives, and everyone else just chips in for gas. Again, you’ll save money and cut your carbon emissions! It’s a win-win!
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Maintain Your Car
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Photo Credit: Robin Thom
Cars that are well-maintained, with on-time oil changes, proper brakes, and good tires run much more efficiently, and spew fewer noxious gases into the air.
Pump Gas in the Morning or at Night
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Photo Credit: Desolate Places
This might sound odd, but it’s true. If you pump gas in the heat of the day, some it will evaporate into the air instead of going into your gas tank where it belongs. It’s best then to pump gas in the morning or in the evening… save money, and cut carbon emissions!
These are just a few ways you can cut your carbon emissions on the road… this doesn’t even include all of the other ways, like eating less meat and mowing the lawn in the morning or at night! Do you have any other tips to share? Please let me know!
Top Photo Credit: fruitfulharvest1983
