We’ve heard in the headlines that historic new federal rules set for the first-ever national greenhouse gas emissions standards will significantly increase the fuel economy of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States…. by the year 2016. You don’t have to wait until 2016 to buy a new car to start reducing emissions from your vehicle. Follow this advice from activist Ron McLinden:
When making a trip, ask yourself: Does it require a motorized vehicle? If it doesn’t, walking or cycling can get you miles for zero gallons. (Caution: You might become a little more fit, or notice signs of spring, or have an opportunity to greet a friend or neighbor along the way.)
When making a trip, ask yourself: Does it require a motorized vehicle? If it doesn’t, walking or cycling can get you miles for zero gallons. (Caution: You might become a little more fit, or notice signs of spring, or have an opportunity to greet a friend or neighbor along the way.)
Can the trip serve two or more people’s trips? (Honey, can I pick up anything for you while I’m out?)
If you are a multi-vehicle household, car-sharing is great. (Yeah, that involves coordination among household members, but that’s what’s supposed to happen within households, right?) We don’t have to treat cars like articles of clothing — or toothbrushes.
If a trip requires a motorized vehicle, each person uses the most fuel-efficient set of wheels suited to the trip. You don’t take the Honda Fit to pick up two-by-fours and sheet rock, and you don’t take the Suburban to pick up a prescription.
And while you’re thinking about your trip-making, whenever you have a choice (like where to get bread and cereal) choose the destination that’s closest to where you are, or that’s on the way to where you already need to go.
