Reduce The Use: Increase efficiency

3. Most of us cannot afford to rush out and buy a new hybrid car just yet. If you do your figures, maybe it is cheaper to change to a more fuel-efficient car rather than the large dinosaur you have. This maybe obvious to some but most of us drive around not really thinking until NOW!
Remember every little bit adds up to saving greenhouses gases and money. Put into action the following points and you will definitely being doing your bit for the environment.

• Don't drive as much- you can do it, just think about it. I've changed some rules in our house- only 1 trip to the video store per week and do several jobs in that trip. Get creative. I tried a skateboard- that didn't work!
• Maintain your car- you will pollute less.
• Tyres inflated to right level.
• Note your fuel consumption- be more conscious of this increasingly expensive and fast dwindling resource!
• Change your driving style- reduce speed, easy on the lead foot accelerations and braking i.e. try to drive smoother.
• Don't idle particularly with air-con on.
• Wind down the window initially to cool the car, then when on the highway put air-con on as to decrease drag. Try to park under a tree or use a front window cover.
• Empty excess weight- that doesn't mean Mum! Unused stuff in the back and the roof racks when not in use.
• Use all seats when you can.
• Car pool- develop a system at work- use the notice board and get to know your neighbors, maybe you could grocery shop together.
• Plan trips- don't do excess kilometers.
• Avoid peak hours and bottlenecks - plan some more.
• Get rid of second car or use the more fuel efficient one first.
• Reassess that Sunday drive!

Check out The Green Vehicle Guide for more information: www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au

Last resort you can offset you car emissions with the carbon credits- go to the Zero Yours page.