Tips for saving money & reducing your carbon footprint

According to the California Air Resources Board 41% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in California are related to fossil fuel vehicle emissions. Because of this, and the university’s interest in promoting sustainable practices, we hope that those of you who own fossil fuel-powered vehicles will considering the following strategies to improve fuel efficiency. By driving smarter, you will save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

• Avoid hard acceleration and braking as it can waste fuel and lower your mileage by 33% on the highway and 5% around town.
• Stick to the speed limit! For every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 miles per hour, fuel economy is lowered by 7%.
• Reduce time spent idling.
• Use overdrive and cruise control when possible.
• Have your vehicle tuned up, tires inflated properly, oil changed per maintenance schedule and air filter cleaned and replaced as necessary. Keeping your vehicle properly maintained vehicle can improve your gas mileage by 4%.

Source: The Department of Energy (DOE)