This spring, we’re dedicating our blog to the idea of consuming less, a good way to explore how much is enough for today. That doesn’t mean that you need to give up everything you own and go live in a tree (though that’s great if you do, and many of us feel like we’d love to do that about once a day!). This month, however, we’re dedicating our time to giving you ideas on how you can consume less in reasonable ways in things that you do every day. Today’s topic? How to consume less in your car. (Be sure to scroll to the bottom for our handy infographic!)
For most of us (not everybody can bike to work), our car is somewhere where we spend at least an hour a day. For people with long work commutes or who live in locations without public transportation, the time that you spend in your car can be even longer. According to the 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest American Time Use Survey, Americans spend an average of 1.5 hours per day traveling. For most people, that travel time is in a car. That means over 547 hours per year in a car for many people. Those are a lot of hours, and so small changes to consume less when you’re in your car can add up to big changes over time. Here are our favorite ways to consume less when in your car.
Reusable Cups and Reusable Bottles! Almost everybody drinks while in the car. Coffee, water, even the dreaded soft drinks. In many (most) cases, these drinks are bought from a vending machine or a fast food restaurant on-the-go. Not only are those drinks likely to be less healthy for you than drinks you prepare yourself and cost more, but they typically also mean that you’re using a single-use bottle or cup each time you drink. Do you know how long it takes for a plastic bottle to biodegrade? Multiply that by the number of single drink bottles you use in a car per year. Invest in several reusable bottles and thermal cups (you’ll want to keep extra in the car so that you always have one). Make your own coffee at home or at work, fill your bottle with water at home or at work, or if you really want sugary drinks, make lemonade or punch at home and fill your drink containers. At the end of a year, you may be surprised how much waste you’ve reduced and how much money you’ve saved.
Monitor Heat and Air-Conditioning Use: We’re not saying that you shouldn’t use the heat and air-conditioning in your car! What we are saying is that, much like at home, you don’t necessarily need to have it on full blast for the duration of an entire drive. In cold weather, consider turning the heat down and wearing your coat while in the car. In warm weather, consider rolling the back windows down to create coolness from moving air. There are certainly many times when in-car temperature control is needed, but by paying attention to how often and how much you use it instead of simply defaulting to it, you can minimize consumption, waste and monetary spend.
Watch Your Speed! We all would like to be on a NASCAR track sometime – especially when we’re in a hurry to get somewhere. However, not only does driving fast put your life (and others) in danger, it also burns more gas. Slow down, de-stress and drive at an efficient speed. Using your cruise control options can also help you to reduce the amount of fuel that you use. Just be sure to set your cruise control at a reasonable speed as well!
Keep Your Car Maintained: The more tuned-up and well-maintained that your car is, the more efficiently it will run and the less fossil fuel you’ll waste and polluting emissions you’ll release. Make sure to get your car checked regularly and any leaks or underperforming parts replaced.
Do You Need to Drive? Sometimes, you absolutely need to drive somewhere. Sometimes you don’t. Be honest with yourself when you’re about to get into the car, when, in fact, you could walk, bike or take public transportation. In this case, you’ll not only reduce your consumption rate, you’ll also improve your overall health if you’re biking or walking. Not every trip to the store needs to be done in a car. The first step is to admit that you don’t always need to be in your car.
Reduce Noise Clutter and Information Overload in the Car: Ask yourself this question: Is there truly, truly, any phone call, text or email that cannot wait until I am out of the car? Unless you are the President of the United States, the answer is no. American culture and the growth of mobile devices has made us think that we should be available to all people at all times. That’s just not true. Turn your phone and mobile devices off in the car. Not only will it decrease your stress level (and improve your health), but you can actually power-down those devices and save energy. Oh, and you’ll also be a safer driver.
Of course, there are big things that you can do to consume less on your commute, such as buying hybrid or electric vehicles or changing entirely to public transportation. However, the first step is to make small changes. Start with the list above. Identify what you believe you could actually accomplish and then work on that item. In time, you’ll add more and more to the list until you eventually consume very little in the car!
Have another idea on how to consume less in the car? You tell us. Comment below or tell us about it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.
