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Whether or not you're on a mission to save the environment, driving a little "greener" is a win-win for everyone. Not only do you help reduce our combined carbon footprint, but you'll likely save a little cash and minimize those trips to the gas pump. And when it comes to your time and your wallet, every little bit counts. It's easier than you think to start driving "greener" today and here are seven tips to assist:
1. Get the junk out of your trunk. If you've been using your trunk as a storage unit, you might be wasting gas and money. Smaller, lighter cars get better gas mileage than larger, heavier cars. But you might be undermining your lightweight car's efficiency (or adding to your large car's inefficiency) by packing it full of junk. (Not that your collection of vintage bowling balls is junk.)
2. Stop driving like you're in a movie. If you need a little more excitement in your life, the road isn't the place to get it. Speeding, braking hard and accelerating quickly could make you feel a little more broke —not to mention environmentally wasteful. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fuel efficiency decreases rapidly above 60 mph. Keep that in mind, Mr. Andretti.
Discover your vehicles air pollution and greenhouse gas score:
EPA's Green Vehicle Guide
3. Share the ride. We're social creatures, so why not turn that daily commute into a social hour? Carpooling not only saves you on gas and time (hello, carpool lane!), but it also helps reduce your carbon footprint, while giving you time to finish those notes for your 8 a.m. meeting.
4. Work fewer days per week. Want a compelling argument to take to your boss? How about reducing your environmental impact by turning your normal schedule into a four-day workweek. By working four 10-hour days, you'll clock the same amount of time, but you'll commute one day less. If enough people did that, there could be a great impact on the environment.
5. Pick an energy-efficient car. There are several "green" vehicles on the market today to suit your budget and lifestyle. In addition to cars that run on electricity or alternate fuel types, hybrid models are a cost-effective option to greatly increase your mpg. The Ford Fusion Hybrid from Young Ford, for instance, gets an average 47 mpg in the city and on the highway. 6. Kick those tires. You might be putting off a new set of tires due to the hassle and expense, but those tires could be treading heavy on your wallet — and the environment. Opting for low-rolling resistance tires, which are harder and encounter less friction than traditional tires, can increase your fuel efficiency. If you're not in the market for new tires, simply keeping yours properly inflated can make a big impact on your mpg.
7. Don't be idle. They say that an idle mind is a devil's playground. Well, an idle engine might be where the devil goes to waste precious resources. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling your engine for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel than starting an engine again. Bottom line: save some gas money while you're sitting around waiting.
Check out other related articles sponsored by Young Automotive Group.
