Hit the Road—But Tread Lightly
Greentips: April 2010
Piling into the family car for a summer vacation is an American tradition. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 90 percent of summer travelers opt to drive for trips of 500 miles or less each way. Mother Nature, however, doesn’t get a vacation from the global warming emissions and air pollution generated by all this driving, so we should all think about reducing the impact of our road trips with the following simple strategies.
* Know when car travel makes sense. Compared with air travel, fuel-efficient cars are often a much greener way for families to travel; even a typical midsize SUV beats air travel for a family of four, according to UCS research. However, solo travelers and couples traveling more than 500 miles should fly (nonstop coach) rather than drive. In most travel situations, the best low-carbon travel option is actually the bus.
* Use less gas. If you don’t own a fuel-efficient vehicle, consider renting one. A fuel-efficient hybrid like the Toyota Prius emits 280 pounds of carbon dioxide per 500-mile trip—half the amount generated by a car getting 23 miles per gallon and 60 percent less than the average SUV. Hybrids also turn off their engines at stops, which is ideal for the stop-and-go traffic common to summer travel destinations. See the Related Resources for a guide to vehicle efficiency.
* Keep your car properly maintained. Routine tune-ups can help maintain fuel economy and reduce pollution. Replacing a dirty air filter, for example, can reduce carbon emissions up to 10 percent; inflating your tires to the proper pressure and using the grade of motor oil recommended by the automaker can reduce emissions 5 percent more.
* Pack light. For every 100 pounds of weight in your car, fuel economy drops 1 to 2 percent. Pack luggage inside the car instead of on a roof rack, which creates drag and reduces mileage.
* Drive smart. Cut carbon emissions 5 to 30 percent by avoiding vigorous acceleration and excessive braking. And try to obey the speed limit—for each five miles per hour you drive over 65, fuel economy drops 7 percent.
* Dodge the rush. Whenever possible, avoid congested roads and leaving or returning during peak travel times. Sitting in traffic can double your car’s fuel consumption rate compared with driving at a steady cruising speed.
For more green traveling strategies, read the UCS report Getting There Greener: The Guide to Your Lower-Carbon Vacation (see Related Resources).
