The following tips will help you to achieve this goal.
Small steps
Enrol your kids in a walking school bus
Using a
walking school bus has benefits for parents and kids.
Walk or cycle instead of driving for those short trips
Car engines use 20% more fuel when cold. One third of all car rides cover less than two kilometres – not long enough for the engine to warm up - and two thirds are shorter than six kilometres.
Stick to the speed limit and save fuel
Travelling at over 100km/hr can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10%.
If you're idling for more than 30 seconds, turn your engine off and save petrol
Even when idling, your car is using fuel. It is better to switch off your car if you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds.
Switch off air conditioning and demisters when they have done their job
Air conditioning and demisters rely on the motor going to run them. If you switch them off after they have done their job you will be using less fuel.
Medium steps
To save fuel remove roof and bike racks when not in use
Carrying extra weight increases fuel use by about 2% for every 50kg.
Use public transport when you can
Using public transport saves you money on petrol and reduces your carbon dioxide emissions.
To save fuel, keep your car well serviced and your tyres pumped
This can minimise fuel use and environmental impact.
Car pool or join a car sharing scheme
Organise
car ride sharing. This saves you money on fuel, lessens wear and tear on your car and is can be a social event! If you live in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch check out the
Cityhop scheme.
If you can, consider working from home to cut travel time and save fuel
You’ll save time and money on transport.
Consider your travel options when looking for a new home — walking and cycling distance, or near public transport
When looking for a new house, check out places near your workplace, or near a public transport hub – you’ll be able to use the car less if you can walk or take the bus. Check for facilities close to your home, like a supermarket - this can save on grocery shopping trips in the car. Check out the
Smarter Homes website for more information.
Consider mowing your lawn with a push mower instead of a petrol mower
Try using a push mower for your lawns. Its good exercise, will save you money on fuel and has zero emissions.
Big steps
Consider buying a more efficient vehicle
When looking for a new car, compare the environmental performance of vehicles - a more efficient car can save you money, and reduce your carbon emissions. Check out the
'choosing the right car' page for more information.
If you can, downsize to one car
If you have more than one car consider reducing the number of cars you own.
