23 February 2011
In these days of carbon footprints, greenhouse gases and climate change, it seems nearly everyone is looking to do their bit for the environment.
When it comes to your car, how do you go about saving the environment without comprising on taste, performance and efficiency?
Here’s a list of ways to save the planet without resorting to adopting a Byron lifestyle.
- Buy a smaller, lighter car. Most of these are cheaper than big, heavy cars and use fewer materials to make. They can also be cheaper on fuel and maintenance, saving emissions and money at the same time.
- Try not to cart around excess weight in your car. The heavier the car, the more fuel it uses, which in turn releases more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So clean out your car regularly of all the things you don’t need in there.
- Don’t use your car for small trips. If you only need to duck down the road for milk, do you really need to drive?
Get Green Finance. Stratton Finance, for example, offsets the CO2 emissions of every car financed by planting native trees in areas around Australia.
- The way you drive can also affect the amount of emissions produced. Try not to brake or accelerate too hard or idle for too long.
- Remember to have your car serviced regularly so it’s maintained and working efficiently, creating less stress on your car and the environment.
- If you’re in the market for a new car, check out www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au to help guide you through the process of buying a car that suits your needs and the environment’s.