The Environment in Peril
Can We Make a Difference?

On the Road

► Drive less, especially during peak traffic periods or hot days.  The sad truth is that your car emits as much CO2 as your entire house.

► Use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike. Avoiding just 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year! Click here to find transit options in your area.  United States Local and State Transit Links

► Start or join a carpool.  Sharing a ride with someone just 2 days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 1,590 pounds a year.  A free national service connecting commuters and travelers is eRideShare

► Try car sharing. Need a car but don’t want to buy one? Community car sharing organizations provide access to a car and your membership fee covers gas, maintenance and insurance. Many companies offer low emission or hybrid cars too. Instant Advocate Car-Sharing   World Carshare Consortium  The Car Sharing Library - CarSharing Network 
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► Telecommute. Even one day a week will make a big difference.  Telework Coalition.

► Combine your errands into one trip.

► Get your car tuned up. Just a simple tune-up often improves fuel efficiency by half. If 100,000 of us went out and got a tune up, we save 124,000 tons of CO2.  When just 1% of car owners properly maintain their cars, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere.

► Use EPA-certified facilities for air conditioner repair.

► Avoid revving or idling engine over 30 seconds.

► Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.

► Accelerate gradually, maintain speed limit and use cruise control on the highway.

► Follow your owner's manual on recommendations for maximum economic efficiency.

► Use an energy-conserving (E.C.) grade of motor oil.

► Minimize use of air conditioning if you can.

► Find out if materials are recycled when you change your tires or change car fluids. Ask before your car is serviced and consider going to someone who is environmentally friendly.

► Replace your car's air filter and oil regularly.

► Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.   Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated.  Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3%. Since every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, every increase in fuel efficiency makes a difference!

► Repair all vehicle leaks promptly.

► Fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.

► Look for the most efficient, lowest-polluting model of vehicle.  When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle. You can save 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year if your new car gets only 3 miles per gallon more than your current one. You can get up to 60 miles per gallon with a hybrid! For more information visit the Green Vehicles Guide

► Don't ignore the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light if it comes on. Make an appointment with your repair technician for diagnosis soon.

► Fly less. Air travel produces large amounts of emissions so reducing how much you fly by even one or two trips a year can reduce your emissions significantly. You can also offset your air travel by investing in renewable energy projects.

► Use cruise control on the highway.

As a Consumer