Site: Hoot Article Release details: Immediate Date: 23September 2005
Drive slower, save the planet!
The environment is a hot issue that we just can't afford toignore any longer. To some, being environmentally aware is a wayof life, a necessary and fundamental aspect of existence. Toothers being 'green' is something to aspire to, a lifestyle thatwith a bit of guidance could be achievable.
Young people have been brought up in a culture of ecologicalrevelations, such as the depletion of the ozone layer andmelting polar ice caps. We all know that these things are stillhappening yet we've still got a long way to go before theimpacts of modern society on our planet are decelerated. Ourparents weren't particularly clued up about the effect thatpeoples' actions have on their environment and recycling wascertainly never an option in many houses in the 80s and 90s.However, these days we do have the resources and the knowledgeto make little changes that can improve the planet for thebetter. If we can slow down on the road then we might be able toslow down climate change.
High levels of Co2 emissions are one of the biggest influencersof and environmental damage. Exhaust emissionscontain a myriad of chemicals which clog up the atmosphere andcause long term damage to our surroundings. Aviation contributesto a large proportion of the damage. Each jet requires hundredsof thousands of gallons of fuel to get to its destination. Shortof getting to your holiday resort by rail, a bit tricky ifyou're off to the Maldives, there is little that you or I can doabout aviation emissions. However, drivers can make a massivedifference to the environment by taking a few steps to reducetheir emissions and help reduce harmful pollution.
You can reduce the amount of fuel you use by up to 25% bychanging some of your habits. Driving is expensive, with thecost of car insurance, road tax and fuel to consider. It's notdifficult to alter your lifestyle; we owe it to our futureoffspring and more importantly right now, we owe it to ourpockets! Whilst we may not live long enough to see the benefitto the environment we can feel the immediate benefit to ourpockets.
By being slightly more conscientious drivers we can all make ahuge difference. Follow these tips fromwww.hootcarinsurance.co.uk and you'll soon help protect theplanet and feel the immediate payback in your pocket.
*Keep a steady speed when driving; by reducing the use of yourpedals you reduce the use of fuel.
*Anticipate conditions, and accelerate and decelerateefficiently. This is safer and uses less fuel. It is also proventhat you won't get to your destination faster by speeding.According to Earteasy.com the most fuel-efficient speed for yourcar is roughly 55 mph, or 90 km/h. Increasing your speed from 55mph to 75 mph boosts your fuel consumption a stunning 20 percent!
*If you are in traffic or caught behind railway gates, thenturn off your engine. Idling uses up a great deal of fuelespecially when some train gates stay down for as long as tenminutes.
*Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. This will saveyou up to 4% fuel.
*Maintain your car and change the air filter as recommended bythe manufacturers' guidelines.
*If at all possible, car share to work, this will save youmoney and give you a clear conscience! Some companies arrangecar share schemes as do some local councils. Seewww.nationalcarshare.co.uk and www.liftshare.co.uk for moreinformation.
*Walk to work if you live nearby. Not only will this keep youfit but you'll also save fuel and money.
*Buy a car with a small engine. This will not only cutemissions but also means really cheap car insurance, cheaper taxand manoeuvrability in busy towns. Driving a 4x4 means 50% lessfuel efficiency, so unless you are a farmer and regularly go offroad, there really is no need to drive a gas guzzling vehicle inurban areas. By the way spray on mud is a dead giveaway!
So, we can all cut our costs and save the planet at the sametime by making a few changes to the way we drive, but what aboutthe future of fuel? Surely driving more slowly can't be the onlysolution?
The future of travel
There are some innovative new energy solutions, new enginedesigns and hybrid car concepts which are set to take off in theyears to come.
Hybrid cars are vehicles that have an ordinary combustion enginecombined with another energy source such as batteries orelectricity. The alternative energy source takes over from theengine when it is inefficient, such as during long slow drives.These hybrids are extremely efficient and half as polluting asnormal cars with petrol engines. The good news is you don't evenhave to change your beloved car because it can be converted aslong as it's less than six years old. This can be costly butlong term it could save you money. There are also severalgovernment schemes running that can help you to convert yourcar. Some manufacturers have already caught onto the benefits ofhybrid vehicles. For examples of hybrids look at the ToyotaPrius, the Ford Escape and the Honda Accord to name but a few.
Electric cars may be the way ahead for city dwellers. With noemissions and using a quarter of the energy consumption of asimilar sized petrol car they may revolutionise driving in thelonger term. Although the cars currently on the market onlydrive at a maximum of 40 mph, they are exempt from tax, somecongestion charges and great news for young people... they arein the lowest car insurance group. After the initial outlay ofaround £8,000 the car is cheap to run and extremelyeco-friendly.
The future of fuel
Sulphur free fuel: We can expect to be able to buy this by 2008,in fact this will become compulsory by that date.
Biodiesel: This is a blend of 95% low sulphur diesel and 5%rapeseed oil. This reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 5% andcan be used in an engine that hasn't been converted to this typeof fuel.
Bioethanol: Although this could take years to become widelyavailable it produces less air pollutants and is renewable. Itis made through the distillation of wheat, sugar or biomass. Itcan be used blended in unmodified engines or straight inmodified engines.
The future of our environment is in our hands. If you can'tafford to buy a hybrid car or convert your engine, you cancertainly make a start on your eco friendly lifestyle byfollowing the driving tips above. It's not too late todecelerate the impact of our polluting behaviour by deceleratingour driving. It really is worth it for the future of the planetand for the health of our bank balances.
-ENDS-
Editorial notes: www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk is an online carinsurance provider which offers massive savings on existingpremiums and gives the customers quick quotes and the ease ofbuying online. Hoot provides car insurance for young people only.
For more information contact Sophie Evans -www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk Online car insurance provider.
About the author:For more information contact Sophie Evans -www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk Online car insurance provider.
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