As the world becomes more and more environmentally conscious, the idea of green living is making its way into every aspect of life. And this certainly applies to driving, as well. It is a known fact that cars contribute a significant amount to the buildup of pollution and carbon emissions.
So what exactly can car owners do to change their habits? In this article, we will take a look at several things that will help drivers reduce their carbon footprint and make both their own lives and the environment around them more sustainable.
Why Green Driving Matters
At this point, most people are aware of the fact that driving is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately to climate change. Obviously, learning to live a more green life is better for the planet as a whole. In addition, it is ultimately much more cost-effective than driving a standard car. In the sections below, we will lay out things that you can do to be a more environmentally-conscious driver, and also describe some of the financial benefits that green driving will give you.
Beyond Electric: Sustainable Alternatives
What exactly does it mean to drive sustainably? Well, several things. First of all, it means buying the right kind of car that won’t contribute too heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. Your options include the following:
- Biodiesel – Biodiesel is a comparatively clean fuel. It is created using vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. It is considered clean enough that it meets renewable fuel standards.
- Hybrid – If you’re not ready to go fully electric but would like to decrease your fuel consumption, you might consider a hybrid model. Hybrid cars are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. They store energy in batteries that are charged both through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.
- Electric – Electric cars run on batteries that are charged at charging stations. They are considered the cleanest type of car on the market. The government is actively incentivizing the purchase of electric vehicles by offering cash back for buyers.
Regardless of what type of car you choose, you should aim to meet nationwide standards for sustainability. The UK follows a standard known as Euro 1-6, depending on the car type, which establishes a limit on air quality disturbance. In general, any car that was produced before September 2015 does not meet this standard.
Sustainable Driving Habits
Beyond simply choosing the right car, there are actual driving habits that you can develop that will help improve your sustainability. These include the following:
Only Drive When You Really Need to
If you think carefully about all of the places that you drive to on a daily or weekly basis, consider whether or not some of these trips might be eliminated. Perhaps you can group together some of the places that you go in order to reduce the amount of time you spend on the road.
Carpool or Use Public Transportation More Often
If you have to take the kids to regular practices and know other parents in your neighborhood who drive the same routes, why not develop a carpooling system? You could cut your driving time down significantly, and it will also be better for the environment. Also, if you have access to public transportation, try to use it at least some of the time. It will reduce your carbon footprint quite a bit.
Consider the Gears You Drive In
This is something that many people don’t think consciously about. In general, you want to use the highest gear possible for the speed you drive in so as to reduce the labour for your car. You can determine this by listening to the sound of your engine: the louder it roars, the more you know the system is struggling.
Keep Your Car Maintained
Be sure to get your car inspected on a regular basis, and be diligent about addressing any problems that start to build up. This means having your oil changed, your air filter replaced, tyres rotated, etc. Being conscientious about these things will help to maximise your fuel efficiency and reduce your emissions.
Financial Benefits of Green Driving
Cost Savings on Fuel
In addition to saving the environment, you’re also doing your finances a big favour by driving green. Fuel expenditure can really add up over time. In fact, the average car owner in the UK spends over £1200 a year on fuel. Imagine being able to save this much every year by owning an electric vehicle. The initial expenditure is clearly worth it in the long run.
And there are other, perhaps lesser-known financial benefits to green driving. Electric and hybrid cars generally require less maintenance, so you will save on this, as well. These types of cars tend to be more efficient than standard cars are. You will likely get better, longer-lasting warranties than you would with a fuel-based car. And governments are rewarding the drivers of green cars by offering them tax incentives. So the financial benefits are many.
In general, keeping track of the financial benefits you gain from environmentally responsible driving can help you manage your financial health overall. There are many different aspects to maintaining good financial health, so it would be to your advantage to develop financially responsible habits.
Carbon Offset Programs and Green Projects
Beyond this, the government offers carbon offset programs to help incentivize green driving. Carbon offsetting is a way of compensating for vehicle emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects such as renewable energy, reforestation projects, or methane capture projects. In other words, what you take from the environment, you should find a way to give back.
There are similar programs available for companies who lease company cars. In these cases, the companies are expected to contribute to green projects as a way of giving back to the environment.
Final Thoughts
Investing in an environmentally-friendly car might not seem worth it at the beginning. But the benefits become clear after only a short period. Not only are there significant financial benefits to be gained by not having to pay for fuel, but you are doing yourself and the environment a big favour by contributing to sustainable living.
Ultimately, more and more people will come to see the benefits of green driving. And as hybrid and electric cars become more widespread, their cost will decrease, as well. It will be a win-win f
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