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How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Behind the Wheel

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Car Exhaust

With recent laws and regulations up in the air, many consumers are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. To help you out, we’ve put together a few simple tips to push you closer to that goal when you’re behind the wheel.


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Avoid traffic

Yes, this one is easier said than done, but it is possible. Sitting in traffic not only wastes gas, but it puts chemicals into the air without getting you anywhere. This one requires some thinking ahead. If it’s 5 o’clock on a Wednesday evening, try using the back roads instead of the major highways. You’ll avoid a lot of the rush hour congestion.

 

Don’t floor it

This is a simple, quick tip to save you gas (and help the environment in the process). Accelerating quickly uses more gasoline than a gradual increase, so pushing the pedal to the floor is the worst of the worst. When the light turns green, avoid pulling a Spongebob Squarepants and slamming your foot down on the pedal. There’s no need to race the Mustang next to you, even if he is egging you on.

 

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Make one trip

If you need to run errands, don’t make multiple trips to and from your house. While you’re out and about, hit all of the places you need to go to and then head home. Not only will your gas tank and wallet thank you, but so will the environment.

 

Invest in a hybrid

This is one of the more expensive options, but it is an option. Investing in a hybrid (or, better yet, a fully-electric vehicle) is the best thing you can do for the environment. By using an entirely electric vehicle, you are eliminating your contribution to automotive gas emissions. It’s that simple.

It’s impossible to eliminate your carbon footprint altogether, but making a conscious effort to reduce it is helpful in every way.