Thrifty Driving Tips to Save Money and Zap Carbon Footprints

 

Earth Month and Earth Day are celebrated each year in April. They are opportune times to put green, thrifty driving tips into practice. 

This post shows how changing our transportation usage habits can save bucks as well as natural resources. 

In addition, discover eco-friendly ways to reduce pollution, eliminate greenhouse gas, and curb carbon emissions (carbon footprints). 

FYI: Definition of Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the use of fossil fuels. 

 

For example: we use fossil fuel to heat, cool,  manufacture, transport people and products, and raise or grow food by a person, company, group, or organization.

Let's rally round and do our share to stop waste and overconsumption.

See information about ways to conserve energy at home: How-to-save-money-this-summer-by-conserving-energy-at home.

When we consciously strive to live greener lives, we contribute to healing our planet, and restoring balance to nature and all living creatures.

Create a legacy for those who follow, and think and act green.

Many areas in the world have been plagued with natural disasters including  famine, injury, and deaths from hurricanes, heatwaves, floods, droughts, and forest fires.

Most of us recognize and acknowledge the dire problems climate change is causing.

In fact, results from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)Peoples’ Climate Vote that polled 1.2 million people in 50 countries worldwide, was reported and  published in January 2021.

This global study showed that of those surveyed a majority agrees reducing global warming is an urgent planet-wide health and safety issue, and immediate steps to halt it must be undertaken now! 

Thrifty Driving Tips to Save Money and Zap Carbon Footprints

Tip #1

Avoid driving whenever possible. Be a good example for your family and walk, bike, or hop on public transit. If you need to commute by car, arrange a carpool. 

Make a commitment to reduce personal transportation usage. It can pay off financially. Some auto insurance companies reduce auto insurance premiums for those who drive less.

Walking, biking, and catching public transit are great exercise and less toxic for the environment as well.

Tip #2

If you have a vehicle, maintain it properly. A tuned car is energy and cost efficient, and can help decrease repairs down the road.  

Tip #3

Schedule and replace your car's air filter regularly. It improves gas economy, prolongs engine life, and reduces carbon emissions.

Tip #4 

Keep car, truck, and van tires inflated. When tires are low, it reduces efficiency and lowers the miles per gallon (MPG).

Tip #5 

Plan ahead and drive all-inclusively. Combine errands to make a loop trip. 

For example, if your grocery run is on the route to or from the post office, dentist appointment, and library, make the choice to group errands rather than make separate trips for each.

Tip #6

Keep your fuel efficient car in good working order to prolong its lifetime.

Vehicle manufacturing accounts for about 30% of each car’s carbon footprint, so conserve, conserve, conserve.

When you buy a used car, select one that gets good MPG. 

If you're in the market for a new car, purchase an electric, hybrid, or alternate fuel vehicle to get the most bang for your buck. 

Maintaining an older car with reasonable gas mileage is just as smart as buying one with lower fuel economy and more emissions. 

A new car has no dents or scratches, but keeping the older model reduces out of pocket expenses and eliminates the need to dump more junk into the landfill. 

Tip #7 

When you have to drive, make "no speeding" the rule. Gas mileage begins to decrease at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. 

Driving at a consistent speed also helps. Use cruise control during long stretches of straightaway driving, such as a highway.

Tip #8

Telecommute when possible. If you can, work from home to avoid sitting in traffic, and using fossil fuel.

Some employees do their jobs from a location other than a central office, and work remotely one to three days a week or more. 

If you're an entrepreneur, make it a rule to hold staff meetings via Zoom, Facetime, and Skype as much as possible.

Tip # 9

Leadfooted driving wastes fuel. 

Accelerate and brake gently and gradually, and read the road ahead. 

These measures improve the fuel economy of your vehicle by 15%–30% at highway speeds and 10%–40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Tip #10

Stay on paved roads for safety and clean air. 

If you have to drive on a dirt road, drive slowly and cautiously to avoid potholes and keep dust out of the air and lungs. 🚗

Environmentally conscious driving choices help reduce our carbon footprints, and can save lots of money.

Are you an eco-driver or not? Please explain in the comments section below.

What measures have you taken to save on your daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly transportation costs?

Another way to motivate green change is to support legislation and candidates in your state who want expanded rail, bus, or alternative fuel  public transit. 

Do you vote every year and know which candidates support environmental issues? Please comment below.

Did you learn anything new about saving money by being a thrifty, green eco-driver?

I appreciate comments, questions, and feedback. Just remember please to put no links in your comment, as it won't be published that way.

Wishing you a Happy Earth Month and a Green, Green Year.

This post has been shared at Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 19, 2024

This post has been shared at #315-senior-salon-pit-stop

This post has been shared at Travel-food-and-decorating-on-wonderful Wednesday

This post has been shared at Funtastic-Friday-link-party-434

This post has been shared at #SeniorSalonPitStop

This post has been shared at #TFT 605

This post has been shared at Mid-month-on-Happiness-is-Homemade Link Party #475

This post has been shared at learning-to-be-an-adult-beginner-link-up

This post has been shared at April 2023 Edition Hearth and Soul Link Party