Transportation is an essential part of life. Whether driving to work, the grocery store or to hang out with friends, cars offer a convenient way to get around. However, they can also be detrimental to the planet. Here’s why you should adopt better driving habits, along with some ways to reduce vehicular environmental impacts.

Why Driving Better Is Best for the Planet

The transportation sector is a critical player in fossil fuel emissions and global warming. Although measures to reduce vehicle-related toxins through improved manufacturing and the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) exist, more must be done to protect people and the planet. 

The average passenger car emits roughly 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, depending on fuel use, fuel economy and miles driven. Of course, one vehicle is not enough to cause significant environmental damage. However, when you add up the emissions from all cars on the road, there’s a tremendous amount of CO2 and other pollutants entering the atmosphere. 

Greenhouse gases have severe implications for ecosystems and ozone depletion. Emissions are also a public health crisis. According to one study, 8.43 million all-cause excess deaths are due to ozone air pollution and fine particulate matter. Meanwhile, fossil fuel-driven ambient air pollution is attributed to 5.13 million annual deaths globally. 

Driving is associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and high mortality rates, which is why motorists must take measures to reduce their transportation footprints. 

8 Tips to Embrace Eco-Friendly Motoring

Adopting better driving practices is a sure way to create a healthier planet for everyone. Follow these eight tips for embracing environmentally friendly habits on the road. 

1. Accelerate and Brake Gently

Have you ever been told you have a lead foot? Accelerating and braking aggressively increases fuel consumption and places stress on the tires, engine and suspension system. It’s much safer and more efficient to slow down. 

Accelerating and braking slowly can also save you money. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can lower your gas mileage by 15%-30% on the highway when you drive aggressively. You can save $0.42 to $1.67 on gas when you ease up on the pedal.

2. Keep Your Tires Inflated

Ensuring your tires are properly inflated can reduce engine output to reach and maintain the posted speed limit. This improves fuel efficiency and helps reduce CO2 emissions. Additionally, like gentler acceleration and braking, correct tire inflation saves you money on gas.

You can do other things to protect your tires and your vehicle. For instance, you should rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to prevent rapid wear and tear. Front tires especially play a major role in braking, requiring greater traction on the road.

Scheduling regular wheel alignments is also crucial for reducing your car’s footprint. When the tires are misaligned, your car must work harder to drive.

3. Drive the Speed Limit

In addition to maintaining safety, following speed limits is a sure way to improve fuel efficiency. The faster you drive, the more CO2 your car will emit. Likewise, sticking close to traffic flow is important to prevent traffic jams and air pollution particles.

For instance, the longer your car idles, the more harmful chemicals and gases it produces by burning fuel. A vehicle generates 20 pounds of greenhouse gases when it burns a gallon of gasoline.

4. Lighten Your Load

Lightening your car’s weight is essential to improve its fuel economy. Consider removing the following items to lighten the load:

• Unnecessary items like sports equipment, beach gear, equipment and excess clothing 
• Roof racks and carriers
• Child safety seats when they’re not in use
• Extra fuel
• Heavy sound systems

Clear out your car to maximize its efficiency. You’ll also enjoy having a clean, more spacious interior. 

5. Explore Alternative Vehicles

EVs have grown exceedingly popular as more people become aware of transportation’s effect on air pollution and man-made climate change. Across America, drivers have traded their conventional vehicles for electric and hybrid models. 

Seattle, Washington, has made impressive strides in EV adoption, registering 11.2% new EVs in April 2021, making it one of the top-ranking metropolitan cities for alternative vehicles alongside cities in California. Portland, Oregon, has also begun electrifying its public transportation system. Today, its TriMet buses run on 99% renewable diesel and only 1% petroleum.

Of course, drivers are hesitant to adopt EVs, particularly due to concerns over the upfront costs, the distance you can travel on a single charge, the lack of charging stations nationwide and the environmental impact of EV batteries. Nevertheless, EVs remain a sustainable alternative and will continue to improve as technology advances.

6. Find Fuel-Efficient Routes

Always take the most fuel-efficient route to get to your destination. Use map applications to determine the quickest routes and whether you must circumvent traffic congestion based on current road conditions.

If you have several errands, plan your trip accordingly for the most straightforward course. These strategies will help you reduce your carbon footprint, save money and arrive where you’re going much faster. 

7. Carpool With Others

Carpooling decreases the number of vehicles on the road, reducing emissions and saving you money. It is an especially good idea when commuting to and from work as drivers are more likely to hit rush hour traffic.

Ride-sharing services have also become more prevalent worldwide, some even maximizing sustainability. For instance, Zity by Mobilize uses a fleet of 100% electric vehicles to transport people in Spain, France and Italy. Although Uber, Lyft and BlaBlaCar aren’t all-electric, these services will likely implement more of these vehicles for ride sharers in the future.

8. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance ensures your vehicle is in excellent condition and running efficiently. According to Kelly Blue Book, you should always follow the manufacturer’s inspection recommendations. Otherwise, take your car in once every 12 months to check for minimal emissions and optimal safety. Some states even require vehicles to undergo a mechanical check for smog.

You should also change your car’s oil every 10,000 miles, if it uses synthetic oil. Otherwise, it should be done more frequently. While your vehicle is in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to rotate the tires for you, too.

Another way to determine if your car needs an inspection is to take it in when the odometer reads 30,000, 60,000 or 90,000 miles.

Every Mile Counts Toward a Healthier Planet

Commit to better driving habits to create a healthier planet. Embracing these tips will not only generate fewer emissions, but also protect the population’s health from harmful chemicals and gases.