Buy Green,
Drive Clean
Make the choice — buy a greener, cleaner vehicle.
Choose a Cleaner Vehicle
Over the years, emission standards for cars and trucks have been strengthened to address the national air quality problems. The Honda Civic Hybrid, for example, rated 9 on the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide, and emits 80% less smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) than a vehicle rated 5.
Purchasing a more efficient low-emission vehicle is a simple way for consumers to reduce harmful air pollutants. Compare vehicle environmental performance with the EPA Green Vehicle Guide.
Choose a More Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Gas prices are hitting record highs. A fuel-efficient vehicle makes sense for your budget and the environment. The difference between a car that gets 20 miles/gallon and one that get 30 miles/gallon amounts to $550/year.
The better gas mileage a vehicle gets the less fuel it burns. The benefits of lower fuel consumption include:
- Better Air Quality - lower levels of pollution released into the air
- More Efficient Use of Fossil Fuels - fewer natural resources used to process needed fuel
- Lower Level of Greenhouse Gas – less carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere
Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for help selecting a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Less fuel burned means fewer natural resources are used and less pollution is created from the extraction and processing of fuel. Less fuel burned also means that less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is added to the atmosphere.
Drive Fewer Miles
We continue to drive more miles each year. Our time on the road is up 127% since 1970. Vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution.
Reduce the number of vehicles on the road:
Maintain Your Vehicle
A poorly tuned engine wastes 10 – 20% of the fuel it uses. It can release as much as 100 times the normal level of pollution into the air.
Extend the life of your vehicle and increase its resale value by:
- Get regular tune-ups
- Change the oil
- Check tire inflation and maintain the proper tire pressure
Refuel Wisely
During warm weather, refuel early in the morning or late in the evening. This reduces evaporative emission pushed out of the tank by the heat of the day.
On Ozone Action Days (days when the level of air quality is unhealthy) try not to refuel at all and never top off your tank beyond the automatic shutoff point.
Choose Clean Air for Austin
One of the most important things you can do to preserve Austin's air quality is to buy a vehicle with higher fuel economy and lower emissions. Over its lifetime, the cleanest vehicle in its class can prevent the emissions of more than 15 tons of pollution and save more than $1,500 in fuel costs over a similar model. The choice you make will affect the quality of the air we breathe.
Find a clean vehicle that meets your needs at the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
The City of Austin is pleased to offer helpful Drive Clean marketing materials to support your local air quality efforts. Our program offers a complete listing of all our marketing materials to use as models for your program. You may also contact the Air Quality Program at (512)482-5341 for any other implementation assistance.
Act locally, think globally, cleaner air for all.
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