| We know that in their present form, cars don't do | | | | emissions. |
| wonders for the planet. If you are going to use your | | | | 5. Switch your car off instead of idling. Idling burns |
| car to get about, there are a number of things you | | | | more gas than restarting the engine so when you're |
| can do to be a greener driver. It's all about increasing | | | | stuck in a gridlocked jam or queuing at the petrol |
| your fuel economy - about using your fuel as | | | | station, turn the ignition key and cut the motor. |
| sparingly as possible and making a tank last as long as | | | | 6. Pre-book parking. You've probably never thought |
| possible before it needs a refill. | | | | twice about it but you'd be amazed at how much |
| 1. Avoid revving up and stopping suddenly. Accelerate | | | | extra energy we burn as we drive round the block |
| and brake gradually as this releases fuel at a slower | | | | looking for a spot. Cumulatively, it all adds up and |
| rate (and makes for a less stomach-churning ride). | | | | increases carbon emissions as well as your stress |
| 2. Plan your journey so that it involves the quickest | | | | levels. So wherever possible, reserve a parking space |
| and most straightforward route. The less time it | | | | close to your destination before you set off on your |
| takes to reach your destination, the less fuel you'll | | | | journey. Pre-booking parking through an online parking |
| burn. And the fewer the twists and turns, stops at | | | | space marketplace works especially well if you need |
| traffic lights and speed ramps the journey involves, | | | | to leave your car in the same specific location on a |
| the less you'll have to stop and start your car and | | | | regular basis. |
| pump more C02 into the air. Get stuck into your map | | | | 7. Travel light. The heavier the load, the more fuel is |
| or plug in your Satellite Navigation system before you | | | | needed to move the car so clear the back-seat |
| set off so that you don't get lost and end up circling | | | | clutter and get the junk out of the trunk! |
| round looking for your destination. | | | | 8. Remove roof racks when they aren't being used. |
| 3. Take your foot off the pedal when doing downhill. | | | | It's a wind-resistance thing which saves energy. |
| Let the car coast and it will emit less C02. | | | | 9. Maintain your car. Having clean air filters and |
| 4. Stick to the speed limit. It's second nature to go 5 | | | | properly inflated tyres will help you burn less gas, |
| or 10 miles per hour above the speed limit but if you | | | | pollute less, and prevent car trouble down the line. |
| can discipline yourself to keep the speedometer | | | | 10. Reduce air conditioning, open the windows and let |
| needle where it should be, you'll cut down your | | | | the breeze do it's thing on hot days. |