1. Buy a Hybrid Car or Green Car
By far, the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is to go in for buy a more environment friendly car. There are ‘hybrids’ easily available even in sedans, SUV, and luxury vehicles. In case your budget does not allow you to buy a hybrid car right away, select a car with exceptional gas mileage for almost similar results.
2. How You Drive
The fuel consumption and emissions your car gives off are considerably increased when you either accelerate or stop abruptly. Within the city, rather than driving aggressively, drive smoothly at a steady speed limit if you wish to cut down your gas bill. Moreover, avoid frequent short trips to the store; it is much better to take care of all your shopping tasks in a single trip.
3. Keep Your Car in Shape
Tune ups of your car done on a regular basis help in more than one ways - your car uses less gas, produces less greenhouse gases, and also prevents future problems. According to estimation, if every American’s vehicle tires were appropriately inflated to the right level, there can be a yearly saving of three billion gallons of gas!
4. You Don't Need a Car for Everything
If you have to make short trips, prefer taking your bike or simply walk down. Most people are in the habit of just getting into their cars and going off, without even considering the other ways they can travel. A backpack can be quite useful for carrying many store items a bike. An electric scooter can also help you reach places quite fast.
5. Drive
However, for some trips walking or taking your bike may not be the solution. You can try driving your car to get on mass transit, or driving your car up to a parking and then going on your bike. At times, rather than getting held up in the bumper to bumper traffic situation, especially during rush hours, it is better to drive until the traffic gets thick, and then go on your bike to reach quicker.
6. Use Less AC
A windshield protector should be used for reducing the heat in your car, thereby requiring a lesser use of the air conditioner as well. Moreover, using the AC on low is also an effective way of saving gas. Additionally, you can keep your car cooler by parking it in shade.
7. Use the Web
The web is your easiest contact with the big wide world – giving you the opportunity of video conferences, emails, and online purchase. Without using your car, you can have a video chat, which is much similar to a face to face meeting.
If you decide to go without your car, you can easily do it. With a slight change in your mindset, you would be surprised how effortlessly you can go without a car. A bike or mass transit, as a means of transportation, can help you in getting around. If possible, look for accommodation closer to your workplace or the stores, so that you can save on the expenses of going in your car each and every time!