Regardless of their position on global warming, everyone I talk to seems to agree on one thing, they want to try and do what they can to lessen their impact on the environment.
In today’s economy, with high fuel prices and food costs going up, it is difficult for most people to get a new, more fuel efficient car. Generally, a more fuel efficient car is the first thing people think about when considering how to reduce their impact on the environment. I propose that keeping your existing vehicle or buying a used one, and keeping it maintained, may very well be the best way to reduce your environmental impact.
There are considerable environmental costs to producing a new vehicle and also the disposing of the old one. Studies have shown that up to 28% of a vehicle’s lifetime carbon dioxide emissions are generated before the consumer ever drives it off the lot. Other studies put the number at around 12%.
Regardless which number you use, it is really not that important, because the true comparison, since the vehicle you have has already been produced, is the impact remaining from your current vehicle versus the production, delivery and the usage impact of the new vehicle.
Even Hybrids, which do have ultra-low emissions, can take a toll. The environmental impact from producing a Hybrid is much greater than producing a non-hybrid. In addition, the batteries used in Hybrid vehicles are not environmentally friendly when it comes to manufacture and disposal.
If you are not dead set on having a new vehicle and you want to lessen your impact on the environment, the best way, ironically, is the easiest on the wallet. Keep your car and keep it well maintained. Be diligent about regular oil changes, air filter replacement, tire pressure etc... And you will have done your part!
Another easy way to reduce your impact is to have your car washed at a professional car wash that recycles, reuses and filters their water before it goes into the drain. The average car wash in your driveway takes about 150 gallons of water versus about 40 gallons at a professional car wash that recycles. It’s that easy to make a big difference.
