When you think of "going green" and your car, what do you think of? I'm guessing a few of the below ten tips come to mind, but do you always implement these practices? I will admit, I don't always, but I want to be better about reducing fuel consumption and polluting less...and potentially saving some money. Who can argue with that?
When I started writing this post, I had forgotten that I previously wrote a post about going green by driving less. Find it here:
But that's not the only way you can implement green automobile practices into your life. Let's take a look at ten ways you can go green with your car (admittedly, a lot of the tips involve driving less).
1. Drive a green car. No, I don't mean the color green...unless that's actually what you want. ;) This may not be feasible in the immediate future, but when it's time to buy a new vehicle, consider getting a hybrid or an electric car. Hybrids now come in various sizes, big and small.
2. Drive less and walk more. It may be difficult now that it's winter and oh-so-cold in many places, like South Dakota, where I am. But when you are able, choose walking, rollerblading, or bike riding to places nearby. Plus, it's a great way to get fit!
3. Use cruise control. You could get 15% better gas mileage just by doing so.
4. Batch errands to reduce driving. I hate making trips to the store, so I try to wait until I can run several errands at once - although, it doesn't always work out that way!
5. Maintain your vehicle. By keeping your car in top shape, you will not only burn less gas and keep pollution to a minimum, but you will have less mechanical trouble down the line.
6. Telecommute or carpool. Wouldn't it be great to work from home? If your job is one that could be done from home, consider pitching the idea to your company. Or carpool to work and various events with someone who lives nearby.
7. Use green driving practices. Drive the speed limit and avoid sudden starts or jerky stops for the best fuel economy.
8. Drive part of the way. Then take your bike or public transit the rest of the way.
9. Limit AC use. Open the windows or use a small personal fan when you are able. Park in a shady area and use a reflective windshield shade to keep your car cool when parked.
10. Go to the car wash. Believe it or not, car washes are much more efficient with water than washing your car at home.
What are some ways you have gone green with your car? How do you limit the amount of driving you do? Please share your experiences in the comments section below!
Photo courtesy of Flickr / Marcelo Campi
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Your challenge: This week, consider the above ten ways to go green with your car, and try to implement as many as you can into your daily life.
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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during
which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to
lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**
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