The burning of fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and has been a major factor in climate change. However these emissions can be reduced in a number of ways, some of which can be achieved simply by improving your car's fuel efficiency. By taking this action, you will be assisting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the nation's dependence on oil, and as an individual you can save money in a society that grows further and further in debt.

The type of car you own, the way you drive it and the fuel you use can have a big impact on the emissions it produces. It is found that personal car travel produces 13 per cent of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to local air pollution and congestion. If you're thinking of purchasing a new car, why not consider a greener car? A greener car does not mean you have to compromise with style. In fact, different versions of the same model/ type of car can vary significantly in fuel efficiency. Furthermore, these more fuel efficient cars use less fuel, which as a result produces fewer emissions, and save you money on fuel and tax. To add to this, smaller cars and cars with smaller engines are generally more fuel efficient, so when considering to buy a new car, it wouldn't hurt to compromise a little, especially when you consider the fact the pros of doing so, by far outweigh the cons.

Not all of us have the luxury of being in a position to be able to buy a new car; however there are still a number of ways that we can be fuel efficient, and as a result help the environment and our wallets. The way we drive can either reduce or increase our cars fuel efficiency. By slamming on our breaks, and accelerating hard, we are unnecessarily contributing to climate change and being less fuel economic. As an alternative, why not go easy on the brakes by breaking earlier and softer. Furthermore, we could drive slower, accelerate at a slower pace, use cruise control (if you have it), and reduce the weight in our vehicles by taking unnecessary weight out of our vehicles, boots/ trunks, and removing unused roof racks. All of which will make our cars more fuel efficient and economic.

Regularly maintaining your car will assist in make them more fuel economic, and as a result produce fewer greenhouse gases. By simple checks such as oil levels and correct tyre pressure, this could also make our vehicles much more fuel economic/ efficient. Under inflated tyres can reduce our fuel economy by up to 3 percent. To find out the correct tyre pressure, you can either locate it in your users' manual, or in some cars you may find it listed on the door to the glove compartment, or driver's side door pillar. The internet is also a useful resource for finding information.

The best and most effective way of becoming more fuel economic, and as a result reducing greenhouse gases, is to simply give your car a break. By using public transport, or simply walking, not only are we being more fuel efficient/ economic and saving money, we are also helping the environment. By leaving our cars at home for just two days a week, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Although it may be difficult to leave your car at home for two days per week, there still may be alternatives to consider. For example, some of us may be able to share a ride to work, catch the bus or train, or even consider working from home every so often (if your job permits). Which ever suits your routine best, the main thing to remember however, is that even a small contribution will have a positive contribution towards the fuel economy of your car, which in turn will save you money, and help our environment.

Learn more about this author, Stevie Richardson.
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