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Before we talk about reducing emissions from your vehicle, you need to know why this is important. All manner of activities, right from breathing to driving a car, generate carbon emissions in varying degrees. We need carbon dioxide, which essentially traps some of the sun's rays in the atmosphere, causing the planet to remain at a habitable temperature. However, in recent years, the amount of carbon dioxide humans have been generating, mainly by burning fossil fuels, has been accelerating at an alarming rate. This in turn has led to global warming and a whole host of other issues that we are only now beginning to comprehend.

The average American generates around 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. If we are to make a positive impact on climate changes, scientists estimate that this number should be reduced to 2.5 tonnes.

One of the easiest ways we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated is by re-looking at the way we use our vehicles. It takes up to one year for one tree to fix the carbon dioxide that 3 liters of gas would produce, and driving a mid sized 30 miles per gallon car at 12,000 miles per year, will release around 3.55 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

So, what can one do to reduce vehicle emissions?

Before stepping in to your car, think about if you really need to use it. Can you walk, bike or use public transport instead? If the answer is no, then plan your route efficiently, avoiding high traffic areas and trying to complete all your errands at one go.

Go easy on the brakes. Hard braking uses 39% more fuel and produces as much as 5 times more exhaust emissions.

When within the city, switch off your air conditioner and open your car windows. This in itself can save you up to 20% of fuel consumed.

Keep to the speed limits, especially on highways, as driving fast or erratically uses up to 20% more fuel. The slower you drive, the more you save.

When you're not using the car for more than 10 seconds, turn the engine off. Similarly, most cars nowadays don't need to be warmed up for long periods of time, even during winter.

Proper tire pressure can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by an eight of a tonne a year. So keep a little tire gauge handy and check tire pressure often.

Clean out your trunk frequently. By loading your car with unnecessary equipment, you'll only be making it heavier, which in turn makes it consume more fuel. Unload the groceries and remove your golf clubs as soon as you get home. Once the ski season is over, remove ski racks and use detachable bicycle racks, as and when you need them.

And finally, where possible, carpool. Get others to share your ride, and take turns sharing theirs, so yours is not the only car driving around the block.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new vehicle, then the options are quite limitless. While buying a hybrid vehicle is a smart choice, if you need something different, then try selecting a fuel efficient vehicle from the class of vehicles of your choice. If possible, think of buying a smaller vehicle and renting/leasing a larger one when needed.

These are only some of the ways you can make a difference, not only to the amount of pollution and carbon emissions you will be producing, but also, in big savings to your wallet.

Learn more about this author, Usha Krishnan.
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