Climate Leadership Initiative

modified | Monday, June 04, 2007

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Contribute to and learn about other tips from the community in our Climate Challenge Forum

Transportation makes up our greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Eugene. Anything you do to cut your time behind the wheel and to drive efficiently have an impact on our region’s emissions! A 20 mile-per gallon car produces a pound of carbon dioxide for every mile driven.

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Reduce your vehicle miles. Once (or once more) a week

1. Try people-powered travel. Stay fit and cut your greenhouse gas emissions by biking or walking instead of driving.

2. Take the bus! Ride the new EmX or your local bus. Click here for a schedule and routes.

3. Carpool. Find a friend or neighbor to share your ride. Sign up for carpool and vanpool matches here.

4. Cut the school miles with Commuter Solutions’ “Smart Ways to School” program for free bus passes, school-only carpools and walking or biking groups for K-12 students.

5. Burn less fuel running errands - buy bigger quantities and combine trips.

6. Try to live near where you work and play if you’re moving.

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Prepare before you drive

1. Drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle you own.

2. Stay tuned: Changing air filters regularly can increase fuel efficiency by 10%, keeping tires inflated can save 3% and regular tune-ups can increase efficiency by 4%.

3. Plan your route to avoid idling in traffic. Idling for more than 15 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your car.

4. Warm up your car by driving. It’s better for the car than stationary warm ups and results in fewer emissions.

5. Get rid of extra weight in the car: Every extra 100lbs you drive with decreases efficiency by 1-2%.

6. Fill up with biofuels like biodiesel or ethanol. Visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition or the EPA’s Alternative Fuels Data Center to find biofuel compatible vehicles.

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Drive efficiently

1. Accelerate and brake steadily and avoid speeding to increase fuel efficiency by up to 33% on highways and 5% in town!

2. Put on the brakes. Every 5 miles per hour you drive above 50 mph costs an extra 20 cents per gallon.

3. Turn off the car when stopped for more than 15 seconds. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.

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If you’re buying a new car, reduce your fuel costs and reduce emissions

1. Buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible. Check fuel economy labels to make your choice. This usually means a smaller and/or hybrid engine. Click here to compare fuel efficiencies of different vehicles.

2. Go for a “dual-fuel” vehicle that can run on 85% ethanol or a diesel that you can fill with biodiesel. Visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition or the EPA’s Alternative Fuels Data Center to find biofuel compatible vehicles.

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Reduce your long-distance travel

1. Avoid one round trip flight to the east coast and cut two tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

2. Take the train instead of a plane for a return trip to San Francisco and save a third of a ton of greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Connect over the phone or internet instead of traveling to long-distance meetings at least once a week.

4. Vacation close to home and explore the diversity of where you live.

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