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Most of us use transportation in our daily lives. Whether it's for getting to work, going to school, grocery shopping, or a trip to the doctor, we all need a means of getting around. For the average person, transportation is the highest source of greenhouse gasses that cause climate change. Here are some sample green tips to get you started going green. To understand more about why this is the highest prioirty, see our How To Go Green - Transporatation page.
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Flying is the single-worst action you can take to contribute greenhouse gasses to the climate change problem. If for example you must fly as you are the maid of honour for your best friend’s wedding overseas, then purchase a carbon offset to reduce your impact on the environment. Reducing flying is an important step in going green.
It takes some practice to change the habit of using our vehicles, but think before you head out. Can you walk or bike instead? It will not only prevent pollution but it is also good for your health and will save you money. It's a natural form of green transportation.
Years ago, it was uncommon to have two or more vehicles per household. In some areas of our country, it is uncommon to only have one vehicle, but it is a wise move if you can embrace it. If you combine the cost of licensing, insuring, maintaining, and buying fuel, it costs thousands per year to run a vehicle. By eliminating your second vehicle, you are freeing up money you could spend otherwise as well as reducing your Carbon Footprint and start going green.
In the late 1990's, SUVs started to become a status symbol. Today, people are beginning to see them as luxury that pollutes. SUV’s require large engines because they weigh so much and designed for pulling heavy loads. In most cases, people use them as passenger vehicles. If you replace the average SUV with a mid-size Hybrid vehicle such as a Toyota Prius, you would reduce the pollution from your travel by approximately 70%. Green cars can not only reduce emissions, but save on fuel and maintenance costs too. If you have a few trips a year when you need a larger vehicle, consider renting one. Check out the fuel consumption guide at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.
With most vehicles, increasing your speed from 100 kilometres per hour to 120 kilometres per hour will increase fuel consumption by about 20%. Speeding also reduces the life of your tires. So why not green your driving habits with this simple green tip?
According to the Government of Canada, most urban Canadians can purchase a full year's travel on public transit for less than $1,000. Owning and operating a typical car costs almost $7,000 a year. One city bus filled with passengers can take 40 vehicles off the road and keep about 50 tonnes of GHGs out of the atmosphere each year. Source: Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge, by the Government of Canada
Carpooling is a very effective way to reduce pollution, save money, and go green. The challenge is finding someone who you commute with and know you are safe. Some companies have begun participating in carpooling websites so you can find someone at your work to commute with. Ask your company to get involved and start going green. If you can find someone to commute with, you not only reduce your commuting cost by 50%, but you also prevent more carbon dioxide from causing climate change. In some cities, there are even special highway lanes for vehicles with more than one person (typically referred to as High Occupancy Vehicle - HOV lanes).
Can you group errands into one trip instead of several trips? Run your errands in clockwise order to avoid left hand turns that typically require more idoling. These are some green tips you can do to lighten your Carbon Footprint and make it a habit to go green.
Tire size, engine size, vehicle weight, and all-wheel drive influence the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. Even power windows and power seats add weight to a car, making engines work harder and burn more fuel. So when your shopping for a new car, focus on what you need because passing on the rest will save you fuel cost, reduce your Carbon Footprint, and help you in going green.
The average vehicle has at least one tire that is over or under-inflated. This causes your vehicle to work harder, using more fuel. Go green by checking your tire pressure monthly could save you fuel costs and even more in tire replacement costs.
According to the Government of Canada, a poorly maintained engine can use up to 50% more fuel and produce 50% more CO2 than one that runs properly. This is a great green tip that will save you money on fuel.
Dropping off children at school not only cause unsafe traffic congestion, but also contributes to pollution from vehicles that idol. There have been a number of schools that have established "Walking school buses" that are supervised walks to school. An adult walks a specific route to school and the children join in the walking group. It's simple form of green transportation and an active way for our children to get to school. Establish one at your school and show our children how to go green.
The air conditioner in vehicles requires additional energy from the engine. This means greater fuel usage. On those days when it's not too hot out, go green by turning on off the air conditioner to save on fuel, pollution, and money.
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