|
ECO-FRIENDLY
DRIVING
–by |
||
|
Overview |
The dangerously high volume of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere each day is reaching crisis
proportions and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us
to try and limit these emissions to the very best of our ability. This can be done in a number
of ways, the very simplest being to leave the car at home and walk or cycle
to our destination. Failing this, take public transport where available and
walk the rest. Or maybe cycle to work.
If you must take your children to school by car, try and use a
“sensible vehicle”, not one of those huge If you must use your car, try
not to use it for short distances as short runs are uneconomical and very
polluting. Ttry practising “eco-friendly” driving
techniques to reduce fuel consumption, which will then cut exhaust emissions
and greenhouse gases. Or like me, plant trees at regular intervals to compensate
for the damage being done when you fly away on holidays, or just drive to
work each day. OXFAM have a great scheme
where you donate just £8 and they plant 40 trees for you, which absorb some
of the pollution you cause and give out oxygen instead of CO2. PLEASE do your bit NOW for the
sake of future generations! Before
it’s too late! |
|
|
Methods |
So
what exactly is “eco-friendly” driving?
Way back in the 70s when there was a severe
shortage of fuel for a short period, people learned methods of conserving
what little fuel they still had in their tanks. ·
One of the chief things is developing a “light” right foot, ie not being heavy on the accelerator or the brake. Take
your time! Potter away from the traffic lights even if you do have the
infamous “white-van-man” breathing down your neck. Use the left lane (where
appropriate) so your eco-friendly driving techniques do not hold up people in
a mad rush in the overtaking lane(s). ·
Look well ahead
for signs of traffic slowing down. Plan well ahead and learn to
anticipate! Instead of slamming on the
brakes at the last possible second, notice the lights changing ahead, for
example, ease your right foot off the accelerator pedal well in advance and
allow the car to slow gradually from an earlier point using “engine braking”
before applying the brakes to conserve energy. Use the brakes earlier than
you usually do, applying them more gently and progressively in order to stop
where you want. ·
Try to change up the gears sooner rather than later and don’t let
the engine “rev” too hard in each low gear. On the other hand, don’t let the
engine “labour” by driving at 10mph in 4th gear. Use your common-sense and
the “feel” you have developed for your car to work out when to change gear. ·
When stationary for more than a couple of minutes, for example in
a traffic jam, consider switching your engine off (providing you are
confident it will start again easily!) to reduce pollution. ·
High speed means more power which in turn means much higher
pollution. Keep your speed down and don’t exceed the speed limits! ·
Reduce friction (and consequently greenhouse gas pollution) by
ensuring you inflate your tyres to the recommended levels. Check tyre
pressure regularly. ·
Consider using new “bio fuels” when they become available in your
area. (note: TESCO are selling ETHANOL in their high
octane unleaded (super) petrol at TESCO EXTRA just off ·
Car-Sharing is also helpful if it reduces the number of vehicles
on the roads. ·
Take unnecessary attachments off the roof of the car (such as
luggage racks etc) to reduce “drag” and thereby reduce pollution. Doing even some of these things should save you money by cutting your fuel bill and at the same time you can feel proud of the fact that you could be reducing pollution and doing your bit to save the planet! |
|
|
Websites |
Check out the following websites:- Eco-Driving Tips: Bio-Power Fuel; ETA Bio-Fuels; EcoDrive.org; DAMAGE TO THE BRAZILIAN RAINFOREST – urgent! Check out this website before you tuck into your takeaway Fried Chicken! |
|
|
|
||
