We all want to do what we can to contribute to the health of our environment – and when it comes to eco-friendly practices, driving a car isn’t at the top of the list. However, We have to travel for work, personal reasons, and to do life, and often our car is the best – or only – option! What’s the solution? Be encouraged; there are actually some driving habits you can put into play that are friendly to our earth. Let’s dive into a few ways to be more environmentally responsible with your transportation methods.
Are My Driving Habits Environmentally Responsible?
As you go to work, shop, school, and play, you will be driving your car most of the time, and you’ve developed driving habits that are unique to you. Are they environmentally responsible? Keep reading to find out!
- Aggressive driving wastes gas, such as rapid acceleration, speeding, and braking. According to the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality, your gas mileage can be reduced by 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
- Each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speeds, and gas mileage usually decreases quickly once your speed exceeds 50 mph. Each five mph you go over 50 mph means you’re paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.
- Avoid keeping heavy items in your vehicle. An extra 100 pounds in your car could reduce your mpg by about 1%.
- Depending on the size of your engine and your air conditioner use, idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour.
What Can I Do To Ensure My Driving Is Eco-Friendly?
If you’ve realized there are some things you can improve on but don’t know how, take a look at these recommendations to help you make better choices:
- A recent study suggests that driver-feedback devices help the majority of drivers improve fuel economy by about 3%, and if you use one to save fuel, it can improve your gas mileage by about 10%!
- Using cruise control on interstates and freeways helps you maintain a constant speed and will save you fuel in many cases.
- Once you hit speeds of 50 miles per hour and above, fuel economy decreases rapidly. You can help the planet, your wallet, and your safety by slowing down on the roads.
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