B.C. has always been an environmentally friendly province. Many residents are happy to do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change.
One-way individuals can cut their emissions impact is transportation.
Walking, biking, or taking public transport can be good choices for some to reduce their environmental footprint. For others however, these options are impractical or even impossible.
What's a concerned car-owning citizen to do?
Getting a new, lower-emissions vehicle is one option. New vehicles are miles more efficient than their older counterparts. This is all-the-more true for the hybrid and electric vehicles entering the market in ever-more-affordable droves.
Of course, not everyone can afford a new green ride.
If you're unable to invest, there's still plenty you can do to cut down your emissions.
One way to go green - and save at the pump - is to adapt your driving style.
Speeding, sudden stopping, and rapid acceleration all burn fuel, and more gas equals more pollution. Make it a point to accelerate smoothly, follow posted speed limits, and brake as little as possible.
Keeping your car well maintained can also make a huge difference. Regularly scheduled maintenance appointments and tune-ups ensure your vehicle is running efficiently - and help you avoid costly breakdowns.
According to Natural Resources Canada, something as simple as having under-inflated tires can increase a vehicle's fuel consumption by as much as four per cent.
Besides proper tire inflation, there are many other quick maintenance fixes that cut pollution. For example, studies show fixing a broken oxygen sensor can increases your gas mileage by up to 40 per cent.
Avoiding idling is another great way to reduce your environmental impact.
Shutting your vehicle off will use less gas than keeping it on after just 20 seconds, according to Ford's Eco-driving program in Europe. If you're parked any longer than this, turning off your engine is the best choice.
Idling in traffic can be a bit harder to tackle. Traffic websites and apps can help you avoid jams and determine the quickest route.
One great app is Waze, which provides user-submitted up-to-the-minute traffic information and is free for both Android and iPhone.
If rush hour is part of your workday, you could even look into leaving home a bit earlier or later to avoid the busiest times.
The weight of your vehicle also affects the amount of fuel you burn, and therefore the emissions you create. This translates to taking everything out of your car that you don't need.
Roof racks are particular offenders. They not only add weight, but also create drag. This makes your vehicle burn more gas. If you're in need of a way to carry cargo, opt for the more aerodynamic rear-mounted rack.
Even if you can't afford a more efficient vehicle or are unable to commit to a different method of commuting, there's still plenty every driver can do to lower their environmental impact.
Start today and know you're doing your part in making our roads a little greener.
Blair Qualey is president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]"[email protected].
