Owning and driving a personal car is a freeing experience and one that can open up a lot of new experiences. However, this freedom doesn’t come without a cost. There’s the cost of buying the car, paying for gas and insurance, and plenty of maintenance costs. Additionally, you’ll have repair costs from time to time. Your responsibilities don’t end here, however. More and more, drivers are becoming aware of the effects their automobiles have on the environment.
The Effect of Exhaust on the Environment
Car exhaust sends a variety of gasses and debris into the environment, increasing the amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses into the air. In certain amounts, these substances are safe, but in large amounts, they cause trouble for anyone who breathes to survive. Car pollution further affects air quality by increasing levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the air. These molecules also mix with rainwater, damaging crops, vegetation, buildings, and forests. As oil and fuel spills into the ground, particulates contaminate groundwater, irrigation, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The good news is that it’s possible to make improvement without giving up driving!
Environmentally Friendly Driving Habits
One of the easiest ways to reduce the negative impact of driving on the environment is to change your driving habits.
- Maintain a smooth, steady drive. Avoid accelerating sharply, hard braking, and stop-and-go driving. Each of these habits increases fuel consumption.
- Clean out the trunk and any overhead baggage to minimize the weight of the car and improve air resistance.
- Complete regular maintenance. Keep your car in good running condition for increased efficiency.
- Turn off the car if you’re idling for more than just a couple minutes
- Plan a route without a lot of stops
- You don’t need to warm up modern cars; it just causes unnecessary exhaust.
There are additional benefits to making these changes in your driving habits; you should see some savings at the gas pump and enjoy more comfort during road trips.
Benefits of Driving Eco-friendly Cars
There are several valid reasons for changing to a green car. The cost of refueling an eco-friendly automobile is much, much less than traditional cars. Environmentally-friendly cars use up fewer natural resources, reducing the need for fossil fuels, and pump less carbon dioxide into the air. You may qualify for a tax break if you buy a green car that qualifies, or you may see lower prices for insurance. Better air quality is the results of reduced levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and harmful gasses.
Some modern hybrid cars are manufactured with sustainable materials, slowing down the rate of deforestation and habitat destruction. Green technology requires many steps, and this often leads to more jobs. Finally, driving an eco-friendly car reduces the need for fuel from foreign oil resources and reduces your need to pay the high prices controlled by petroleum-exporting organizations.
Choosing a Green Vehicle
How can you choose the best green automobile? Whether car buying is an experience you love or one that you prefer to avoid, there are some things to consider for simplifying your decision. Begin by determining the type of car you want and need. Use factors such as how many passengers and what types of cargo you may need to carry. Think about the driving conditions in your area and what types of activities you plan to do. Finally, establish a budget with a realistic budget.
When you have the chance to get a new car and replace your old gas-guzzler with a green car, make sure you make the best decision possible. Stay up to date with the cars on the market and the green technology available for different models of autos. Make sure you keep your eco-friendly goals in mind and consider the specific benefits you’d like to achieve. From financial savings to feeling good about your eco-footprint, switching to a green car is a great option.
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