Go Green
It's the small things that can make a big difference. Incorporating regenerative thinking into your everyday life is not as hard as it might seem. Check this page often, as we'll be updating it regularly with tips and tricks to help you bring a little green into your lifestyle.
6 Easy Pieces of the fuel economy puzzle
Fuel efficiency is what car companies are bragging about in their commercials these days, and who can blame them? Gas is $3 a gallon, and the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change blames global warming squarely on the burning of fossil fuels.
If you can’t walk, bike, take mass transit, or move next door to work, and you’re on the waiting list for a Tesla Roadster (www.teslamotors.com), all is not lost. There is plenty you can do to green your ride…easily.
* Take care of your tires…
and they’ll take care of you and your wallet. Make sure they have enough tread, and keep them inflated and rotated.
* Cruising vs. Speeding
Fast starts stress your engine and waste fuel. Use your cruise control on the highway and slow down! According to Car Talk’s fuel economy page (http://cartalk.com/content/features/fueleconomy/), for every extra ten miles per hour you add to your speed, you lower your fuel efficiency 15%.
* Lose Weight
Put your car on a diet, but don’t lose the spare tire. Every 100 pounds in the trunk can lower your mileage up to 2 miles per gallon. Just don’t leave yourself stranded without a jack.
* Winter Warm Up
Instead of idling, just drive slowly until your engine is warmed up. It’s cleaner, faster, and doesn’t waste fuel sitting still.
* Maintenance is Crucial
Regular maintenance will keep your engine running clean. Check your owner’s manual for the proper intervals for service and fluid changes, and let your mechanic know you want to do whatever you can to save fuel. Simple engine upgrades and maintenance can result in impressive fuel savings.
* Keep track of your mileage
You can’t know how you’re doing unless you keep track of your mileage. It’s easy. Divide the miles you drove on a full tank, by the gallons of gas it took to fill the tank back up. 255miles/17 gallons= 15 miles/gallon. Do this 3 times, find the average, and try to improve on it by changing your driving style.
Have any tips you’d like to share? Email us at tips@backtonature.com.