Make Green Come True

The Drive Smarter Challenge, sponsored by The Alliance to Save Energy offers a variety of tips to save gasoline.   The tips, ranging from keeping your tires inflated properly to removing excess weight in your trunk are tied to dollar values.  You can enter the make, model and year of your car to calculate exact savings.  Take the challenge today and learn how to reduce emissions in our air, reduce energy consumption and save money at the pump.

While traveling this summer, there are several easy steps you can take to ensure that your are being kind to the environment in your home away from home:

1.  If you are spending more than one night in the hotel, make use of the card available that requests that sheets are not washed each night.  Most people do not wash sheets each night at home, and gallons of water and detergents are used in the process.  If a card is not available, let the service desk know that you do not need them to be cleaned daily or leave a note for housekeeping.

2.  If you do not and will not use the travel size toiletries available in the hotel, leave them for the next guest instead of letting them stack in your bathroom cabinet.   This will reduce the energy required to produce more for future guests.

3.  Seek out recycling options for complimentary newpapers and other waste generated during your stay.

4.  Just like at home, when you leave for the day make sure blinds are closed and lights and electronics are off/unplugged.

If you are traveling this holiday weekend, here are a few ways to be more green:

1. Save time in the ticket line. When flying, always print tickets at home. Printing at home will ensure that your tickets are printed on recyclable paper and at home printers use far less energy and ink than it takes to create glossy airline tickets. Some airlines will even give a discount if you print your tickets at home.

2. Drive safely to save gas. If you are traveling by car, try to maintain an even speed. Taking off slowly and slowing down at lights by taking your foot off the gas instead of abruptly hitting the brake will not only make your passengers have a more smooth ride, it will also save gas. As a rule of thumb, never hit the gas if you expect to be stopping soon and try to use the least pressure possible on the gas pedal when you do accelerate.

3. Pack lightly. The more luggage you take, the more gas and energy your trip will take. Even a few pounds makes a difference.