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We've learned our driving habits in a world where emissions didn't matter much - but now we know that they do. One of the biggest changes we must make to reduce the emissions that cause global warming is to change our driving habits in a big way. Ask yourself: is saving the planet worth giving up another jump-in-the-car-without-thinking trip to the mall? You can take positive action: Here's our list of can-do items.
Are you really lugging enough stuff to use the high-tonnage car? Can you take the Camry and put the groceries in the trunk? Don't get rid of your low-MPG car, just don't use it as often. Use our sample log to track your MPG for 1-4 weeks, and see if you see a difference.
You can conserve gas 20-30% by driving 55 miles per hour instead of 75. Engines operate more efficiently at a steady rate, so put the cruise control on, set it to 55, and save fuel. (Our page editors actually put this to the test, and agree they went farther on a tank of gas driving under 65 MPH.)
Time to replace your car? You can buy hybrid. There are now not just small hybrids, but also Camry and Accord models, as well as Toyota Highlander and Lexus SUV models. Visit the Hybrid Center to learn more. These cars are not much more expensive, and save $$ on gas - not to mention reducing emissions!
Find an alternative to the car: Bike, walk, skate to the park, to the local market, to the library. Encourage your community to build bike lanes and sidewalks where there are none.
Carpooling - we did it in the 1970's!
In the gas crunch of the 1970's, carpools enjoyed a new audience, and HOV (high-occupancy vehicles) were created to encourage commuters to join carpools. With cheap gas, Americans gave up on carpools for the flexibility their individual driving allows.
Making A Change for the New Millennium
Carpools will be a key way to reduce driving to and from work, as global warming makes use of carpools a new necessity again. You can make the change by starting a carpool, offering to drive, even if you just carpool one or two days a week.
Where and How To Get Started
There are web sites where you can find riders or drivers, matching need and location. Visit CarPoolConnect.com to enter your starting and ending destinations. There are also many regional carpool services, so check Goggle to find out if there is something local to you.
No One Near You? Start Your Own!
If you live and work in a high-density region, you can likely find some matches just by contacting your HR department about starting a matching service. Visit nearby companies and see if you can start a local effort. With web technology and a new desire to do something to stop global warming, you can be sure to find others to help get it started.