Leave the Car at Home
According to the most recent US census, in 2000, 76% of workers drive alone to work. In the average single occupant vehicle, only 1% of the fuel is used to transport the driver. The other 99% is used
to transport the massive weight of the vehicle or is lost as heat. (Natural Capitalism by Hawken,
Lovins and Lovins) CO2 from fossil fuel combustion, the largest source of US greenhouse gases,
accounts for approximately 79% of
global warming potential (GWP) weighted emissions. After electricity production, transportation is the second largest source of
CO2 emissions. In 2006, transportation
accounted for 33% of the fossil fuel consumed. “In 2005, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 were 35% higher than they
were before the Industrial Revolution.” (EPA)
Information from EPA and US Census Bureau. For more information on greenhouse gas emissions, visit the
EPA website.
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Reduce Your Use: Driving Efficiently
The Department of Transport has found that Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles in June 2008 than in June 2007. Not only does that mean we have spent
less money on gas, it also means less carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, VOCs, particle matter and soot in the atmosphere.
If you must take your car, here is a list of things you can do to cut down on fuel consumption:
Car pool to work or school! Cut the cost of gas in half and save wear on your car by alternating whose car you go in. Avoid unnecessary car trips.
When you do need to use your car, combine several trips into one. For example, swing by Day Spring health
food store when you have to go to the post office and buy your granola in bulk. Use the fuel you paid for effectively. Every make and model of car is different, but in general fuel efficiency
decreases significantly with every mph over 60mph. Check your tire pressure. Really! When your tires are too soft gas mileage decreases by 0.4% on average with every psi below optimum pressure. Keep your car in tune and check and replace air filters and oil regularly. When you do buy a new vehicle, go for model that is fuel efficient.
For more tips on fuel economy see the Department of Energy's Fuel Economy Tips.
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