In addition to buying more energy efficient vehicles, how people drive and how well they maintain their car can significantly reduce the negative environmental impact of automobile emissions.
If you are planning on purchasing a vehicle, consider buying either a hybrid, biodiesel compatible, diesel, used, or smaller car. These types of vehicles can help spare nonrenewable resources and potentially lead to reduced vehicle emissions. There are a number of advanced vehicle technologies to consider when purchasing or leasing a vehicle.
When you buy a new vehicle, look for the Granite State Clean Cars label to find cars that have higher fuel economy and lower emissions. The Granite State Clean Cars Program provides information to the public about cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles and works to make it easier for consumers to identify these vehicles at dealerships in New Hampshire. Visit the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition website to find out more about alternative fuels and fuel reduction efforts in NH.
The City of Keene has undertaken a number of efforts to reduce green house gas emissions and encourage sustainable behavior. Click here to learn more about these programs or visit the case study link at the top of this page.
Southwest Region Planning Commission also created a map of conventional and alternative fuel stations in the Monadnock Region.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced a guide for consumers on purchasing green vehicles. The EPA Green Vehicle Guide scores cars and trucks based on emission levels and fuel economy values. To learn more about how you can reduce the negative environmental impact of your vehicle visit the Green Driving Tips website or EPA’s Smartway Transport Partnership website. These sites offers practical tips for driving and maintaining your automobile so that it operates more efficiently and wastes less resources.
Please Note: You can decrease your petroleum use by getting the best fuel economy possible out of your current car by:
> * Driving sensibly
> Avoiding excessive idling
> Using cruise control
> Observing the speed limit*
> Keeping your tires properly inflated
> Removing excess weight
> * Planning and combining trips
*Although each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying and additional $0.24 per gallon for gas! (source: http://www.fueleconomy.gov)
Learn more about NH Incentives and Laws for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles . Find out how you can save money while helping the environment!