Driver's Ed

Daily bikers and bus riders may scoff, but for those still attached to their cars, a greener driving experience can be as easy as one, two, three:

1 Buy an electric, hybrid, or biodiesel-fueled vehicle at a specialized dealership like the Green Car Company in Seattle;
2 Get your insurance and roadside assistance from the Better World Club, which supports ecofriendly causes and advocacy; and
3 Tune up at a pollution-minimizing repair shop like the Organic Mechanic in Asheville, North Carolina.

Comments

[TiogaJenny]

Another one on this "car" theme is to not buy a car at all, but get into a city car-share program.

My city doesn't have such a thing, and I've been interested in talking to my condo neighbors to see about going in on one car that we could all use for short errands. I guess insurance/liability would be a nightmare, but I don't know -- has anyone heard of success stories where this has happened? I'd love to know.

[Dianne Williams]

All fine tips - IF you can afford to do them. I can't.

[Tim]

Although I drive a hybrid, I think it fair to add that you should not overlook an economical regular gas engine. This is especially true if you do a lot of highway driving.

The real savings in hybrids are in their city driving. Hybrids love stop and go traffic--the batteries recharge while braking and coasting. Just make sure you accelerate gently from stops.

There are fuel efficient gas models out there too, and there is no eventual ni-cad battery to dispose of later. Some hybrids are not all that fuel efficient, although almost always better than their non-hybrid counterpart. Always look seriously at the MPG ratings.

[Ali]

In reference to tip 1, I have heard that while hybrids are environmentally sound when dealing with fuel consumption, their makeup and batteries tend to be worse for the environment in the long run, after the car has spent its time on the road (they produce more harmful waste?).

Maybe it's just a rumor, but I found it interesting...

[Jen]

I agree with Tim that there are fuel efficient gas models out there. My regular gas powered 2001 Honda Civic gets 41 mpg.

[Barbara Balchick]

I am thinking of replacing a vehicle with 220,000 miles on it. My highway mileage is still over 35 mpg. The hybrids are attractive, but the battery issue concerns me. Can anyone give me information on the "greenness" of the Subaru company? The catalog claims most cars are largely recycled.

[Kermit]

I scoff at this. Ride a bike.