In the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas, here’s our contribution to motoring into the New Year in a cleaner, greener way (think less carbon, less pollution) with the Twelve Ways of Alternatives:
1st Way - 1 vehicle. Whether you trade to a more efficient model, go hybrid or fill up on alt fuel (think E85, B5 or B20), each and everyone’s personal vehicle adds up to big impact. And that's because driving that vehicle is the one regular activity with the single largest impact on the earth regarding climate change. Check out what’s available in hybrid, electric, propane, natural gas, diesel—and whether your current ride is E85 compatible.
2nd Way – Buy 2 Books & Give the Gift of Knowledge. Buy two of these books for someone curious about hybrids or alternative fuels and help pass on the gift of positive change—or just provide some food-for-thought before friends or family make their next vehicle purchase.
3rd Way - Use 3 Eco-driving Tips per Week. It only takes a few minutes to read through this eco-driving tip list—yet incorporating several of these on a regular basis will help slash your fuel bill and greenhouse gas contribution.
4th Way - Check the Air in all 4 Tires. Just four minutes at the gas station on your way to work can confirm whether or not you’re maximizing your vehicle’s fuel economy.
5th Way - Replace or Incorporate 5 of your Errands. We’d bet there are some miles (and minutes) to be saved in the course of your regular weekly trips around town. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of a warm engine and stops in the same areas—saving both fuel and time.
6th Way - Keep 6 Reusable bags in the Trunk. Instead of using new plastic or paper bags each time you head into a store, keep 6 bags—or more—in the trunk of your car. From groceries to clothing and household necessities, you’ll help slash greenhouse gas contributions by minimizing the manufacture of new bags, along with landfill space for those thrown out.
7th Way - Think of the 7th Generation. Use phosphate-free natural cleaning supplies to wash and shine that set of wheels. Not only do they make your ride look great, they don’t contribute to damaging wastewater run-off.
8th Way - It’s 8AM and you’re at the office. Don’t forget the impact of your daily activities during those 8 productive hours of your day. If you can walk to lunch instead of hopping in the car, go for it. Perhaps share a few smart driving tips—or entertain co-workers with your newest lingo from our alt fuel glossary—around the water cooler.
9th Way - Remove 9 Items from your Trunk and Glovebox. Can you reuse, recycle or just get rid of some extra junk you’re hauling around unnecessarily? It all adds extra weight your engine must move—so make a date (and think of the 5th way above) to drop them at a local thrift shop or re-uzit center. After all, that’s trash that could be someone else’s treasure. Check the trunk, glove box and console—we bet there are a few extra pounds of weight that you don’t need in there.
10th Way - Share us with 10 of your Friends. Our newsletter, that is. If you know someone who is intrigued—or even slightly interested—in hybrids, electrics or alt fuel mobility, send ‘em this link to sign-up for our free weekly newsletter. We’ll keep them in the alt fuel and hybrid loop year-round.
11th Way - Kick at least 11 Vehicles’ Tires. Digitally, that is. With About.com’s crew of professional reviewers and test drivers, there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips—and that’s info that can save you many miles (and hours) of slogging around car lots looking for the right set of wheels. We’ve got reviews on hybrids, reviews on diesels, reviews on CNG vehicles, reviews on flex-fuelers. And our comrades have reviews on new cars, reviews on SUVs, up-to-date info on used cars, trucks, classic cars, and exotic cars—and even the best on Mustangs and DIY car repairs.
12th Way - Give the gift of Cleaner air—to your Engine. Take twelve minutes to check and replace (or clean) your vehicle’s air filter. Keeping your air filter clean maximizes airflow to your engine, which increases its efficiency—and that equals better fuel economy.