The most energy efficient
form of transport is still the bicycle. Not to mention
the health benefits. To save fuel consider taking a ride
to the village to pick up your daily groceries.
"Bikes have an incredibly low
manufacturing footprint when compared to a motorized
vehicle. They’re cheap to operate, don’t pollute the
air, and provide more miles per calorie of energy than
any mode of getting around known to humankind. Find out
how to pick a great used bike."
[lighterfootstep]
Walking
is a healthy form of exercise and puts you more in touch
with what's happening in your environment. People who
have made the shift are discovering a deeper experience
of their community.
Considering the
instability of the oil situation, you might want to
consider the possibility of working from home or moving
closer to your place of work.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN
STARTING A CAR SHARING NETWORK FOR RIDES TO AND FROM
TOWN EVERY DAY?
Tips for saving
fuel
Move
more efficiently
-
Make use of public
transport, walk or cycle. E-bikes
(electric bicycles are a
transportation option for those who
may need to travel to meetings in
more formal clothes)
-
Form
driving clubs to avoid travelling /
commuting as single passengers in
vehicles
-
If
you own more than one vehicle, drive
the one that’s most fuel efficient
whenever possible
-
If
possible, take advantage of car lift
clubs for schools and work, and
ride-share programmes – this cuts
fuel costs in half and saves on
vehicle wear and tear
Tips when
driving
-
Avoid rushing up to a
robot and pulling off too quickly,
and maintain a constant speed as far
as possible – up to 5% of energy is
saved this way
-
If
you own more than one vehicle, drive
the one that’s most fuel efficient
whenever possible
-
Stick to the speed limits – 5- 10%
fuel can be saved . On highways its
best to travel 100 to 110 km/h . As
much as 33% of fuel can be saved
driving at these speeds
-
If
possible, take advantage of car lift
clubs for schools and work, and
ride-share programmes – this cuts
fuel costs in half and saves on
vehicle wear and tear
-
Stagger work hours to avoid peak
rush hours – spend less time in
traffic and consume less fuel
-
Ensure that your vehicle is well
maintained at all times. Regularly
check your vehicle’s fuel
consumption. An increase in fuel
consumption could mean that
maintenance is required
-
Check that there are no holes in the
exhaust pipe. Fuel consumption can
increase by up to 20% if the exhaust
pipe is not well maintained
-
Make
use of public transport, and walk or
cycle
-
When
you buy a car, enquire about the
fuel consumption of the vehicle as
it could save a lot on your petrol
bill. Diesel vehicles are generally
more fuel-efficient than petrol
vehicles. Smaller engine sizes are
more efficient than bigger ones, and
fuel injection is better than
carburetted vehicles
-
When
driving on the highway, use the
air-conditioner and close the
windows. When driving in traffic or
in the city, open the windows and
switch off the air-conditioner.
Envirochild recommends:
DONT BUY A NEW
CAR.. There are enough petrol cars in existence. If
you need car - buy second hand, until non petrol
driven cars are made.
