The vehicle you drive and how you use it may have a
greater effect on the environment than any other choice you make as a consumer.
While cars and trucks are much cleaner than they were in the past, they still
are one of the biggest contributors to urban air pollution. In Minnesota, over half of all the air pollution comes from vehicles.
There are
several different types of cleaner, eco-friendly vehicles on the market. While
advanced technologies and alternative fuels offer the greatest environment
benefits, choosing an ordinary, low-emission, fuel efficient gasoline vehicle
is one of the single biggest steps you can take to reduce air pollution and cut
your fuel costs. By making
a good, informed choice, you can save hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs
while also reducing air pollution. It’s a win-win!
You
can reduce pollution and emissions from your car by choosing your car carefully
the next time you are in the market to buy, lease or rent a car.
Consider
size.
When purchasing a vehicle,
choose the size and type that meets your daily
needs. If you are like me and only carry large loads a few times per year,
consider borrowing or renting a large vehicle, trailer or car-top carrier for
those occasions. The savings of will far outweigh the environmental and fuel
costs of a bigger vehicle for only the occasional use.
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Consider efficiency.
Look for the miles per
gallon rating on the label for new vehicles. The more miles per gallon a
vehicle gets, the more efficient it is which means it generates less pollution
and more savings. The difference
between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $832 per
year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.33).
That's $4,162 extra in fuel costs over five years!
The EPA and DOE’s Fuel Economy Guide, for 1984 to the present model year cars, will help you choose an efficient vehicle to save money at the pump and pollute less. The online guide provides you with a valuable resource to identify and choose the most fuel efficient vehicle to meet your needs. Also, the guide includes a 1-10 greenhouse gas rating for each model, providing a quick and easy way for you to identify vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions.
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Consider alternative
fuels.
As you compare vehicle types, you may encounter different
types of engines. FlexFuel (FFV), hybrid (HV) or electric vehicles (EVs) help
reduce our air pollution. Like fuel economy, vehicles vary in relation to the
quantity of various pollutants emitted in their exhaust. Certain green vehicles
even qualify for tax credits
and other incentives. Some of the more eco-friendly options available are:
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HEVs : They combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors to increase fuel efficiency up to 50 percent (up to a combined 50 mpg). An onboard computer does the work switching between gas and electric motors. A wide variety of HEVs is currently available.
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EVs : Powered by electricity stored in batteries , they do not use an internal combustion engine; therefore, emitting no tailpipe exhaust. They are also four times more efficient than vehicles powered by gas. Since EVs use no fuel, widespread use could drastically reduce both pollution and petroleum consumption. Find out more benefits of driving EVs.
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FFVs : These vehicles are capable of running on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), only gasoline or a mixture of both. Local fuel production of ethanol decreases reliance on fossil fuel imports.
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Reconsider buying altogether.
Another
option for people who are considering a vehicle is to try car sharing, rather
than purchasing their own. If you do not frequently use your vehicle,
car sharing services such as HourCar or
car2go provide cars for people
living in the Twin Cities metro area. This service provides access to a car
when you need it without having to own it. The gasoline, insurance and
maintenance costs are included in the user fee.
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Join Friends
of the Mississippi River and the Science Museum of Minnesota for Our
Water in a Changing World: Climate Change and the Urban Watershed. Discuss
the intersection of climate change and local quality issues with topics
spanning from changes in growing seasons and urban heat islands, to new
stormwater management issues and tree species suitable for the future, February
13, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul).
Kick off the growing season early! Attend the Twin
Cities Community Seed Swap. Urban gardeners, farmers, coordinators, foodies
and seed enthusiasts will enjoy an afternoon of workshops, seeds and snacks,
February 22, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Bryant- Lake Bowl Theatre (Minneapolis).
Spend an evening hiking on snowshoes through the beautiful
north woods of Minnesota at the New Moon Snowshoe
Hike. Learn about special adaptations that animals use to help them
function at night. February 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Soudan Underground Mine State
Park (Ely).
Community POWER (Partners on Waste Education & Reduction) grants available: Ramsey County is looking for applicants to propose new and innovative ways to educate and actively engage residents and businesses in the county to change their behaviors and reduce waste. Non-profit organizations and schools are eligible to apply. Read the grant guidelines and submit an online application by March 24, 2014.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) is hiring new members to conduct energy efficiency and waste reduction assessments. Members are retired environmental professionals that are comfortable working independently. RETAP employs skilled, retired professionals to provide facility assessments and community sustainability assistance to small businesses, institutions and communities in Minnesota.
Send questions or comments about living green to the address
below.
Sincerely,
Taylor Holland and the Living Green Team
livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us
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