By Nicoletta Florio /Big George Green Consulting
Traveling green is no mean feat. We can walk, cycle, skateboard or even pogo to a destination. Getting in our accustomed vehicles however, presents a challenge when we are trying to minimize our carbon footprint.
Tricky Traveling
Iʼve recently purchased a “new” vehicle which fits my needs in both transportation and work. I do not have a large family and am not a contractor, or business owner who is constantly hauling around large appliances, so there was no need for me to purchase a large SUV. And
though I do sports, I do not own any gear so large I could not fit it in, or on, a conventional vehicle. I did however, need to have a bit of space for the times I have to move gear for trade shows and presentations. I wanted a high mileage, low emission vehicle that had some rear space that fit my needs. I also wanted a recycled vehicle as I understand the tremendous amount of energy needed to produce new vehicles. After months of searching, I found a car that fit my desired criteria and it is — with the exception of the fact that it is unfortunately gas powered — what I need for transportation and work purposes.
Making the Change
If you were one of those who purchased a large SUV for one of the three most common reasons (the fact that you actually need a working vehicle, the myth that they are safer vehicles, and ego), for two of you, there are smarter options.
Bigger Isnʼt Always Better
Large vehicles today are, by design, made to haul around themselves first and foremost. Larger SUVs weigh around 6,000 pounds, so when
pumping the 26 gallons into the tank of say, an Escalade, you are mostly purchasing fuel to haul the vehicle itself around, not you. And due to some smart work by former and current government, and oil companies, the low mileage-per-gallon you get benefits their partners, the oil companies. Now, this would be fine — as everyone should be able to make a buck — but what about the air? The pollution restrictions have also gone down in the last decade and emission allowances for
these vehicles have gone up. According to Changing the Climate, SUV's put out 43 percent more global-warming pollutants (28 pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of gas consumed) and 47 percent more air pollution than the average car.
This means that the owners of these vehicles are emitting an extra three to four months of pollutants into the atmosphere each year. If there were only a few vehicles like this on the road today that might not have such a great and immediate impact, but there are millions.
The Best You Can Do
There are ways to make sure our vehicles, no matter what they are, are running at peak efficiency. According to Matt Smithmier of Elosie Automotive, keeping your car tuned up, making sure your air filter is clean, and having properly inflated tires will all increase efficiency. Other ways we can lessen the negative impacts of our cars is to not radically accelerate and break, drive at lower highway speeds and not sit with the car idling when at a stop. This means not going into the store,coffee shop, a friendʼs, the bank, or most peopleʼs favorite - talking on the phone - for “just a minute."
Chemicals, toxins and particulates from vehicle emissions go everywhere — in our air, soil and water. Purchasing vehicles (and everything else in our lives) that have lower environmental impacts are important. Our children are inheriting a planet that is fast becoming toxic, due primarily in part to our ignorance in purchases and practices.
Grimy Travel
Among 2011ʼs dirtiest vehicles are the Chevrolet Suburban K2500/GMC Yukon XL, Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab, Ford F-250 (FFV), Ford F-150 Raptor, Mercedes-Benz ml 63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz G 550, GMC Sierra K2500 and Ford Expedition (FFV) and Lincoln Navagator (FFV).
Clean(er) Machine
2011ʼs Best include: Honda Civic GX (c), Nissan Leaf, Smart Fortwo Cabriolet, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Ford Fiesta SFE, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Yaris and more (for “more” see below).
Get the Keys
If we have to drive, being smart about our vehicles, habits and travels, planning timelines, and carpooling are the best ways we can lessen our impacts on the planet, or health and future generations.
2007 Escalade fuel tank: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/22989.shtml SUV emissions: ChangingTheClimate.com 2011 Ratings http://www.greenercars.org/highlights_greenest.htm
— Writer Nikki Florio is co-founder and Principal Consultant of Nevada-based Big George Green Consulting.
http://www.biggeorgegreen.com/