There are so many ways you can reduce your emissions and carbon footprint, and save money, by modifying some of your everyday behaviors. The added benefit: relying less on your vehicle often means you're getting more exercise and living a healthier lifestyle! Hint: some of these tips could be implemented school wide and used as application material for a Green in Action award!
- Take a train instead of flying
- Take public transportation
- Bike to school or work whenever possible
- Drive the speed limit - fuel economy decreases above 60 mph. Driving 5mph over 60 mph is like paying an extra 24 cents per gallon.
- Carpool to school or work if biking or walking is not an option
- Use cruise control as much as possible - maintaining a consistent RPM reduces fuel consumption. Mileage can increase by up to 7 percent!
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended level and improve fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent
- Avoid excessive idling
- Use a carwash that participates in the WaterSavers program
- Remove excess weight from your car to increase fuel economy
- Substitute or eliminate a food item that is shipped from overseas. Check your produce for a Country of Original Label before buying.
- Use a clean diesel vehicle for group trips - according to the EPA, clean diesel vehicles produce 90 percent fewer emissions than regular diesel engines.
- Take the stairs instead of an elevator when climbing a few flights
- Avoid quick acceleration and heavy braking - it can reduce fuel economy by 33 percent on the highway
- Walk or bike when doing errands around town
- Plan your errands so you can get them done all in one trip rather than multiple short trips
- Maintain your vehicle - a poorly maintained engine doesn't run as efficiently as it could
- Consider purchasing a more fuel efficient or hybrid vehicle
- Reduce your leisure air travel to one trip per year or less
- Sell your vehicle and sign up for a car-sharing program
- Drive instead of flying if the trip is less than 400 miles
- If you must fly, purchase non-stop flights - jets burn the most fuel at takeoff and flying direct avoids excess distance covered
- Work from home when you can
When you're on the road:
- Use public transportation or share a cab
- Eat vegetarian
- Remove your shoes before coming inside to avoid tracking pesticides and other residue into your home
- Don't purchase food and drinks that are served in styrofoam
- Look for a hybrid or electric cab if you need to use one
- Seek out a hotel with greening strategies in place or a green building certification
- Seek out a locally sourced restaurant
- Use the revolving door option whenever it's available - revolving doors prevent up to 18 percent of building heat loss
- Always reuse your hotel's sheets and towels