This is the sixth installment in a seven-part Eco Tips Series. Go here to read previous installments.
According to Pittsburgh Today’s Regional Environment Survey, nearly 79 percent of regional residents believe there is little or nothing they can do to solve environmental problems. In light of this finding, Pittsburgh Today is producing this Eco Tips series, intended to show steps citizens can take to improve the environment. In today’s sixth installment, we focus on driving green.
Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution accounting for about half of the toxic emissions in the United States, including smog-generating volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide.
Our Regional Environment Survey suggests there are plenty of opportunities to curb these emissions. For example, 82 percent of southwestern Pennsylvania residents drive to work. And only 42 percent reduced the number of car trips made in the last year by taking steps such as riding public transit or car pooling.
Choices can be made every day to help reduce air pollution by driving green. The most significant step that an individual can make is to cut back on driving by planning or combining trips.
- If possible, stagger work hours to avoid peak hours on the road. Driving in free-flowing traffic saves gas and money.
- Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle during longer trips or when you anticipate sitting in traffic.
- Take advantage of carpooling or ride-sharing options both with co-workers during the week or through ride-sharing companies like Lyft on the weekend.
- Use public transport, when possible.
- If the trip is short, walk or bike. It’s better for the air, your wallet and your health.
A well-maintained car saves money at the pump and reduces the amount of pollution it emits.
- Keeping the engine regularly tuned can save about $.15 per gallon of gas.
- Keeping tires at the proper pressure and aligned can save you up to $.11 per gallon of gas.
Don’t be a hot head. Staying calm and driving at slower speeds saves money and reduces pollution.
- Aggressive driving or driving at high speeds, braking often and rapidly accelerating is very costly. Keeping cool can save $.18 to $1.21 per gallon of gas.
- Slow down. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds over 50 miles per hour. For each 5 miles per hour after 50 mph, you pay an additional $.24 per gallon.
Lighten your load. The lighter, more wind resistant the vehicle means greater fuel efficiency, greater savings and less pollution.
- Avoid hauling cargo on the roof. Roof racks for bikes, cargo boxes and other things mounted on the roof increases wind resistance and can cost you anywhere from $.07 to $63 per gallon of gasoline. Rear-mounted cargo containers and bike racks are better choices.
- Get the junk out of your trunk. Carrying around an extra hundred pounds can cost $.04 to $.07 per gallon.
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This is the sixth installment in a seven-part Eco Tips Series. Go here to read previous installments.