GIFT - Co2
Did you know that: "Car commuters may receive more than one fifth of the total exposure to some pollutants from their daily journey to and from work"
(Source: DFT, (1998) A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone).
Take a Walk
For those short journeys walk. It will save you money on fuel and keep you fit. Why not walk to work.
On Your Bike
It not only saves money but is very good exercise (and a great excuse to cancel the gym membership). Why not ride your bike to work.
S.M.A.R.T. Driving
If you have to use the car, remember that the way you drive can have an impact not only on fuel consumption but also the life of your car.
Adopting a smarter driving style is easy and once you've mastered it, not only will you start to make real savings, but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment.
That's because smarter driving means driving your car more efficiently. Doing this means your car will produce less carbon dioxide (CO2), the main gas contributing to climate change.
Remember to follow the steps below and you'll soon be saving money and reducing your car's impact on the environment.
- Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).
- Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
- Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
- The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 45 - 50mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.
- Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
- Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.
- Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
- Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
- Check your tyre pressure regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.
