Travel and Transportation

Gas Saving Tips | Green Vacations

Filling up for Less: Gas Saving Tips

If you must drive, here are some easy ways to make a difference for the planet and save money at the pump:

Mind your maintenance. A well-tuned car burns less gasoline, so get your oil and air filters changed regularly.

Not sure if your filter needs changing? Take it out and hold it up. If you can't see any light coming through, it's too dirty.
Check your tire pressure monthly (you'll get the most consistent results by using your own gauge when the car is cold).
Oil-change shops urge us to change the oil in our vehicles every 3,000 miles, but most cars nowadays don't need oil changes that often. In fact, most manufacturers say you can go 7,000 miles without a problem. Change less often and it really can save your engine and the planet - not to mention your wallet.

Check out the car show. Not just any car show, visit the Sierra Club Virtual Clean Car Show to find out which cars meet the California clean car standards.

Clear the clutter. Every 100 pounds you carry inside your car lowers its fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. So if you don't need it, don't have it in your trunk.

Don't drive like a jerk. Fast, aggressive driving is a big fuel waster. Try to maintain a constant speed - most cars reach peak efficiency while cruising between 55 and 60 miles per hour - and avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent (and make everyone else on the road hate you).

Keep your cool. Need relief from the heat? Use the air conditioner if you're going faster than 40 miles per hour, since a lot of engine power at high speeds goes to reducing drag. When you're cruising around town, it's more efficient to roll down your windows.

Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips helps, as does carpooling with friends.

Holy Green Vacation!

That relaxing summer vacation (or staycation) won't be heavenly if it's not earth-friendly: "One can choose to be a tourist at odds with the earth or in favor of it," declared the Vatican in a recent statement. Conscientious tourists pack light to reduce fuel consumption, plant trees to offset emissions, and choose green vacation destinations. Wondering how your vacation rates? Take the Sierra Club's quiz: "How Green is My Destination?"