The Attenborough effect is an eco-friendly movement that has taken the world by storm, changing how we think about and do many things. So, if you’re looking to be kinder to the planet, why not start with your driving? Here, Mark Barclay from GSF Car Parts shares four ways you can be a greener driver and reduce your emissions while in the car.
When you’re trying to live a more eco-friendly life, there are many aspects to consider. And, while you may have already started to cut down on meat, and place more emphasis on recycling, have you thought about changing the way you drive? For most of us, driving is an essential part of our day, so it isn’t possible to get rid of our cars. But, with 72% of all EU transport emissions coming from road vehicles, it’s clear we need to be doing something to reduce this (European Parliament).
Considering how often you change gears, what speed you travel at and when you drive can all significantly help to lessen the emissions you contribute. In this article, I will be discussing four ways you can make your car journeys kinder to the planet.
4 Ways To Be a Greener Driver and Reduce Emissions
1. Avoid driving during busy periods
When you work a standard 9–5, it can seem impossible to avoid driving during busy periods — when you set off to and from work, you’re bound to run into rush hour traffic. Timing your journeys right means you won’t have to sit in long queues when your engine is idle which can create more carbon emissions.
To help you avoid these busier periods, you could consider working from home if your employers allow it, or starting and finishing work an hour or so later if you have flexible working hours. However, if it’s not possible for you to avoid busy periods on the road, turning off your engine when stuck in traffic jams will help ensure your vehicle isn’t releasing as many harmful emissions.
You could also look for alternative routes that are quicker, even if they appear to be longer in mileage. A less popular route might just take less time than one that everybody seems to go for.
2. Opt for an electric vehicle
If you see having your own vehicle as a necessity, changing from one that runs on diesel or petroleum to one that runs on electricity can certainly help to lower your carbon footprint.
This is because electric vehicles (EVs) release much lower emissions into the atmosphere, as they depend on a rechargeable battery. So, they won’t generate as much harmful greenhouse gas, which means they will help to tackle global warming and climate change.
EVs also reduce air pollution so, if more of us started to drive them, we could expect cleaner air, which is less harmful to ourselves, animals, and the plants and water sources around us.
3. Find an alternative way to get around
It’s not always a viable option to leave the car at home and walk to your destination, especially if it’s more than a couple of miles away. But, looking for other ways to get around can significantly help the environment. For example, dusting off your old bike and cycling to work is an emission-free way of getting around.
If you must take a quicker form of transport, hopping on the bus, train, or tram is an excellent way to lower the carbon emissions you’re responsible for. You could even opt to car share with colleagues, friends or family. Typically, cities have lanes where people with 2+ people in can go down, meaning it might even help you to miss out the traffic.
4. Review your driving style
The way you drive can have a significant impact on how much fuel you use and how quickly it burns. However, there are a few ways you can alter your driving style to be more eco-friendly.
Drive at a Steady Speed – For one, driving at a constant steady speed will minimise the amount of fuel your vehicle burns and reduce your carbon emissions. This means you’ll have to drive especially carefully, accelerating and braking smoothly rather than rapidly.
Stick to the Speed Limit – Similarly, sticking to the speed limit will help. These restrictions are not only important for your safety, but they also mean you can get more out of your fuel. For example, driving at 70mph rather than 60mph uses 9% more fuel and up to 15% more than at 50mph (Confused.com).
Use the Correct Gear – Using the correct gear is vital for driving in a more eco-friendly way, too. This is because, when you coast in a lower gear than necessary, your fuel efficiency is significantly lowered, which in turn will contribute more emissions. So, when you’re accelerating, it’s important that you shift up a gear as soon as possible as higher gears are more fuel efficient.
If you’re trying to make lifestyle choices that are kinder to the environment, follow my top four tips. Whether you need to update your vehicle, or alter your driving style, any of these to be a greener driver will help to save our planet.
