(The title is, of course, a Sammy Hagar reference.)
Unfortunately, I can’t take the train every day–sometimes I drive to work. But if you do have to drive, one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon emissions (and save some money) is to drive a little slower. According to the guys at Car Talk, each 10 MPH can cost you up to 15% in fuel efficiency (and therefore carbon as well).
I’m not a terribly fast driver, ordinarily. I tend to cruise at traffic speeds on the highway, generally between 70 and 80 MPH in the Bay Area. Today I decided to set the cruise control at the speed limit (65). It was a little unnerving to be passed by so many cars, but I only arrived a couple minutes later than I would have otherwise.
I suppose if I did this every time I drove, I’d save a few bucks (actually, quite a few) and knock the carbon emissions down just a little more. Unless I’m in a hurry, why not?
