In 2020, gasoline was one of the top three purchases that contributed to Commons members’ carbon footprints.

The good news: No matter which car you have, knowing how to manage the environmental efficiency of your driving can save you money at the pump, reduce wear-and-tear, and cut your carbon footprint. As you drive on your next tank of gas, remember these pro tips.

Increase Fuel-Efficiency

1. Keep Your Tires Full

Low tires make your car work harder and use more gas. Check and fill yours regularly to improve your fuel economy by about 3% (Source: JRC Science, 2016).

2. Replace Your Air Filters

Don’t skip simple maintenance. Replacing dirty air filters can make older, carbureted vehicles up to 6% more fuel-efficient (Source: JRC Science, 2016).

3. Maintain a Steady Speed

Cruise control isn’t just convenient – it saves gas, too! Maintain a steady speed as often as possible, paying attention to the road ahead to prevent sudden braking and bursts of acceleration.

4. Don’t Idle

Running engines still use gas in idle, which means you get 0 MPG when you’re not moving. Plan ahead and avoid rush hour driving to reduce the amount of time you’re stuck in traffic.

5. Ditch the Lead Foot

Your need for speed can cost more than a ticket – gas mileage starts to fall when you drive beyond 60 mph or 90 kph in most vehicles. Aggressive driving can slash fuel-efficiency by 33% (Source: US DOE, 2013).

6. Take a Load Off

Roof racks and cargo containers increase drag when your car drives down the road. Remove them when you're not using them, and store items in your trunk instead whenever possible.
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Drive Less, Save More

The best way to cut emissions and fuel costs is to keep your car in the garage. Whenever possible, consider an eco-friendly alternative next time you reach for the keys.

1. Stretch Your Legs

Walking and biking are good for your physical and mental health – plus they’re free, and have zero carbon impact. Rollerblading is a great option, too!

2. Find a Carpool Buddy

Commute with a coworker or road-trip with someone heading in the same direction to reduce your collective emissions (and go halvsies when it’s time to fill up!).

3. Opt for Public Transport

Every additional person in a vehicle reduces your individual carbon footprint. Once it’s safe, catch the city bus or commute by train. Your wallet will thank you, too!

4. Telecommute

One benefit of the pandemic has been the freedom to telecommute. Even once places start opening up, can you work from home a few days a week, or take that yoga class online? Tap into the power of the internet to reduce your carbon impact.

Offset Your Impact

It’s tough to neutralize your impact in a dirty system, but small changes make a big difference when we act together. Track your carbon footprint on Commons to see where you can live lighter, and compensate for the emissions outside of your control with our vetted carbon offsets.

Offset Your Emissions

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