Green Transportation

If you’re driven to reduce your carbon emissions, changing your transportation habits is a great way to get moving. Pick one day a week to carpool, ride your bike or take the bus. Explore some fuel-efficient options next time you go car shopping. Or tune up your current vehicle for its best performance.

Vehicle

Review Green Cars
Review green ratings for car models released since 2000 at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Vehicle Guide Easily compare miles per gallon and emissions ratings to find the greenest car for you.

Go Hybrid Shopping
A hybrid vehicle might be your top-of-mind choice when it comes to fuel efficiency. Each year there are more options to choose from. Of course, you’ll save money on gas!

Buy BioFuel
Certain cars can run on biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, which cost about the same as traditional fuels. Biodiesel is a nontoxic and biodegradable alternative to regular diesel. Ethanol, often produced from corn or sugar cane, can be used in many newer cars.

Fuel efficiency

Watch your Speed
Avoid rapid starts and stops and exceeding the speed limit. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 16 cents to $1.06 per gallon (with prices at $3.22/gallon).

Tune up
Improve gas mileage by 4 percent or more by tuning your engine, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Replace a clogged air filter to boost efficiency by 10 percent.

Check your tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, improving mileage by more than 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Coast on Cruise
Studies show that using cruise control at highway speeds offers an average fuel savings of 7 percent.

Remove weight from your vehicle
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that drivers can save between three and six cents a gallon (with gas prices at $3.22/gallon) by removing unnecessary weight from the car.

Alternatives

Catch the Bus
According to Time online, more than 30 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. come from transportation. You can reduce those emissions by riding the bus.

Ride a bike
Why spend extra time at the gym when you can tone your body and save money, all while reducing carbon emissions? If you can’t make it all the way to your destination, try shorter bike rides to the nearest bus stop.

Carpool
Get to know your colleagues and neighbors a little better. Set up a carpool schedule and share your ride a day or two each week.