Today I saw an ad on this blog (feel free to click on one) for Ford taking me to Bold Moves, a website that tells of Ford’s efforts toward environmental sustainability. The article the link sent me to has some simple steps that every driver can take to curb CO2 emissions:
1. Start slowly when coming out of a full stop.
2. Slow down. EPA estimates that fuel efficiency decreases by $0.20/gal for each 5 mph increase above 60 mph.
3. Do not idle the engine beyond 30 seconds. Most new cars can go immediately after start up. Turn off the engine if idling beyond 30 seconds.
4. Clean out the contents of your car on a regular basis. Added weight makes your engine work harder.
5. Reduce the use of your air conditioner, but note that driving at high speeds with the windows down reduces fuel economy.
6. Keep your car well-maintained and your tires properly inflated. Tires at the correct pressure can reduce fuel use by 3-4%.
There is also the mention of driving less, carpooling, and ridesharing, but I think the above points are easy to understand and easy to implement.
The author, Mike Milliken, does remind the reader that all American cars can use E10 (10% ethanol fuel), but finding a pump with E10 or E85 (85% ethanol fuel) is not always easy. Although Minnesota requires 20% ethanol in gasoline, E10 is not available everywhere and E85 can be harder to find.
For those interested in using alternative fuels, more information for planning routes and finding stations can be found through the US DOE’s Fueling and Infrstructure website. Using the Alternative Fueling Station Locator, I found 5 stations in a 25 mile radius from Detroit that provide E85 fuel. The website provides information on gas stations that provide compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane), 85% ethanol (E85), electric, biodiesel, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
With news last week of Ford cutting production, the automotive industry’s struggles are far from over. However, it’s nice to see them taking steps toward greater environmental accountability. Improvements in energy efficiency are the only way to combat rising fuel prices.
While September in Michigan signals football and apple cider doughnuts to some, to me it signals the return of the University of Michigan’s Energy Fest. This year, the fest’s keynote speaker, Jennifer Sprout of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, will present “Green Roofs- The Last Urban Frontier.” Hopefully this can generate excitement within the university community toward greater investment in the technology.