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Solutions on the road
There are steps you can take to significantly reduce your global warming emissions on the road. In the U.S., cars and trucks account for about 40 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—a primary contributor to global warming. So increasing fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions is crucial if we are to slow global warming trends. Here you’ll find in-depth articles and practical advice on low-cost ways to improve your car’s gas mileage, how to buy a more fuel-efficient car, the latest fuel saving technologies, and more.
Large-scale transportation solutions are also needed to curb CO2 emissions. These include stronger federal government mileage standards, better mass transit, alternative fuels, and technologically advanced vehicles to combat global warming. But individuals can still have a significant impact by choosing to drive high mileage cars, taking public transportation, and making travel arrangements that conserve fuel. In fact, the single most important personal impact on global warming that you can have may well be your transportation choices.
What size is your carbon footprint? According to recent government estimates, the average carbon footprint — the CO2 emissions associated with a particular lifestyle — for a two-person household is about 42,000 pounds (22 tons) each year. Since that amount will vary depending on where you live and your particular lifestyle, you can get a personalized estimate by using an online carbon footprint calculator.
Start saving carbon at home. Below is a list of steps you can take to reduce CO2 emissions by potentially thousands of pounds. For each action below, we’ve indicated the amount of CO2 and money that you can save over the course of a year. Actions are prioritized by those with the largest CO2-savings at the top of the list to the smallest at the end. That way, you’ll have a framework for choosing the most effective ways to reduce your "carbon footprint."
WHAT YOU CAN ON THE ROAD APPROXIMATE ANNUAL SAVINGS
1. Drive a fuel-efficient car CO2-savings: About 8,000 pounds
Cost-savings: About $944
A car that gets 30 mpg will emit about half the CO2 of a 15 mpg vehicle. That’s a savings of 8,000 pounds if you drive 12,000 miles a year. To find the most fuel-efficient car that meets your needs, check our Green Ratings.
2. Reduce driving speed and drive evenly CO2-savings: About 1,500 pounds
Cost-savings: About $177
Fuel consumption is directly related to the amount of CO2 emitted while driving no matter what vehicle you drive. In Consumer Reports tests of a compact family sedan and a large sport-utility vehicle, fuel economy was improved by almost 15 percent when driving 65 mph vs. 75 mph on the highway. That translates to an average annual CO2 savings of about 1,500 pounds. Note that the CO2 savings for the SUV were even greater than for the sedan (1,900 lbs/yr). Hard acceleration and braking can also waste fuel and lower your mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. For more fuel-saving tips, click here.
3. Tune up and maintain your car CO2-savings: Up to 580 pounds
Cost-savings: Up to $68
If you get your engine properly tuned and use the recommended grade of motor oil, you can cut CO2 emissions and improve mileage by up to 6 percent, particularly if your car is noticeably in need of a tune-up. Savings are based on driving 12,000 miles per year at 20 mpg.
4. Carpool or telecommute to work CO2-savings: About 400 pounds
Cost-savings: About $47
The average person drives about 3,000 miles to and from work every year. Not driving just one day a week can reduce CO2 emissions by about 8 pounds per week. That adds up to about 400 pounds of CO2 per year. The less you drive, the more you’ll save.
5. Combine errands or ride your bike instead of driving CO2-savings: About 340 pounds
Cost-savings: About $40
The average person drives almost 2,000 miles a year to go shopping. If you cut down on driving by just 10 miles per week by combining errands—or when it’s feasible, by skipping the car altogether, and walking or riding your bike instead—you could cut your CO2 emissions by nearly 340 pounds per year. That’s based on driving a car that gets 30 mpg, but if your car is less efficient, you’ll save even more.
6. Pump up your tires CO2-savings: About 264 pounds
Cost-savings: About $31
According to the Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires properly inflated. Our own testing revealed that a tire that is under-inflated by only 2 pounds per square inch could increase fuel consumption by about 1 percent. Check your owner’s manual for inflation recommendations.
Find out how you can start saving carbon At home.
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CO2 calculation assumptions: We assume that a gallon of gasoline produces 20 pounds of CO2
Cost-savings calculation assumptions: A gallon of gasoline costs $2.36
Last updated July 2009
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