WAYS TO SAVE - ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION

Drive the speed limit
Avoid rapid starts and stops and exceeding the speed limit. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 16 cents to $1.06 per gallon (with prices at $3.22/gallon).

Tune up
Improve gas mileage by 4 percent or more by tuning your engine, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Replace a clogged air filter to boost efficiency by 10 percent.

Check the tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, improving mileage by more than 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Cruise control
An Edmunds.com study shows that using cruise control at highway speeds offers an average fuel savings of 7 percent.

Lose the junk in the trunk
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that drivers can save between three and six cents a gallon by removing unnecessary weight from the car.

Ride a bike or Take a Walk
Why spend extra time at the gym when you can tone your body and save money, all while reducing carbon emissions? If you can’t make it all the way to your destination, try shorter bike rides.

Carpool
Get to know your colleagues and neighbors a little better. Set up a carpool schedule and share your ride a day or two each week.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE:

Use this guide to choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Low emissions and good fuel economy are both important for the environment (click below to go to EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide).

RELATED ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION LINKS:

VEHICLE EMISSIONS

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/crttst.htm - Tables and report listings of the emission certification model year vehicles.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cfa-air.htm - Information about state-run emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr94fs.txt - Information about what to do if your vehicle fails an I/M inspection

FUEL ECONOMY

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm - Information about EPA's annual report that summarizes fuel economy and technological trends of personal vehicle sales

CAFE - The Department of Transportation's National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration web site providing information about corporate average fuel economy standards and requirements.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES AND VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS

http://www.bestworkplaces.org/index.htm - A business/government partnership, the Best Workplaces for Commuters is dramatically improving the way people get to and from work. EPA and DOT assist employers that have earned the Best Workplaces for Commuters designation by offering technical assistance, public recognition and promotion, training, Web-based tools, and forums for information exchange.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/voluntary.htm - Web page linking to EPA's voluntary efforts to reduce emissions and improve efficiency of a variety of vehicle types, including buses and transport trucks.

http://www.epa.gov/smartway/ - An innovative partnership between the EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.

FUELS

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels.htm - EPA's web site devoted to the various transportation fuels in use today.

How do I find the greenest vehicle possible?

The EPA has identified the lowest emitting and most fuel efficient vehicles with a "SmartWay" designation. In addition, the best of those are identified as "SmartWay Elite." Look up all SmartWay and SmartWay Elite vehicles on the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide website.