Living Green: Transportation

Improve Your Fuel Economy

The following tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and www.fueleconomy.gov will help you improve your fuel economy:

Drive More Efficiently

  • Stay within posted speed limits. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
  • Don’t drive aggressively. Improve your gas mileage up to 5 on the highway by avoiding speeding, rapid acceleration, and sudden braking.
  • Avoid idling. Turn off your engine if you are going to have to wait.
  • Remove excess weight from the trunk.
  • Avoid packing items on top of your car. This creates wind resistance and can decrease fuel economy by 5%.

Maintain Your Car

  • Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.
  • Change your oil regularly.
  • Check and replace air filters regularly.
  • Keep your engine properly tuned.

Greener Transportation

Consider these alternative transportation ideas to help reduce fuel emissions:

  • Move closer to your place of employment. If you live closer, you may be able to walk or ride a bicycle.
  • Ride the bus. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transit saves an estimated 1.4 billion gallons of gas annually, which is equal to 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide!
  • Carpool. By riding with other people, either co-workers or others going in the same direction, you can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. You also cut emissions by taking one more vehicle off the road.
  • Try out a hybrid. If you’re renting a car, check to see if the rental company has any hybrid cars.