Being Green on the Road
Drive less. Telecommute, carpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible. The average car emits one pound of CO2 per mile. By taking one less 20-mile car trip per week, you save 1,200 lbs. of CO2 per year. Trip-link by combining shopping errands to reduce fossil fuel use. Every gallon of gasoline that you avoid keeps 20 lbs. of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Drive smart. When looking for a new car, shop for the most energy-efficient one possible. To help you decide, see the Green Car Guide at www.greenercars.com.
If you buy a hybrid, you’ll enjoy a tax credit, and save 16,000 lbs. of CO2 per year. Keeping your car well maintained improves the efficiency of your car too. Keep your tires properly inflated and save 250 lbs. of CO2 per year and $840. Use a clean air filter and save 800 lbs. of CO2 and $130 per year.
Offset remaining carbon. When you must travel by airplane or by personal motor vehicle, buy carbon offsets to compensate for the CO2 emissions associated with your travel. Organizations that sell carbon offsets use the money to invest in renewable energy projects and forestry projects (which store carbon). By typing “carbon offset calculator California” in a search engine, you can find local groups that offer certified carbon offsets.
Telecommute. Ask your employer if you can work from home. For each day that you work at home instead of traveling to your office you reduce your CO2 emissions by 10%.
