I read a review on a green eco-car a couple of years back; I can’t remember the car but what I do remember is the analysis of how much it reduced carbon emissions.

It came as a shock.

It simply didn’t.

The fuel used (electric/regular gas combination) did produce outstanding mileage figures and the operating carbon footprint was pretty miniscule but this is the misconception that needs to be overcome.

The operating costs are not the only costs involved in the equation.  If you are going to  reduce your carbon footprint you must also take into account the carbon cost of producing the vehicle in the first instance – something many people, including car marketing departments, tend to overlook with all of the hype.

Reducing your carbon footprint in practical terms involves not only how we use our vehicles but how they are themselves manufactured; just take a look at how much water is required to produce a rubber tire for instance!

You can reduce your carbon footprint today by simply addressing your driving habits and this helps no matter what car you drive.

Drive at lower speeds; reducing your speed by 5 miles an hour will result in a dramatic reduction in gas consumption.  To drive a car forward from 65 to 70 miles an hour requires 90% more fuel to be burned so follow the speed limits as they are set not only with road user safety in mind but also the environments.

Leave the car at home; try walking or cycling as an alternative which reduces pollution immediately and is a healthier bonus for you too.

Reduce the weight you are carrying in your car; if you are using your SUV as an extension of the house and garage just remember that every pound you carry is costing you gas to carry around.

Make sure you have your car serviced regularly so it burns fuel efficiently; a regular combustion engine can burn fuel extremely cleanly but it needs to be in good shape to do this.