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Lifestyle - Be fuel efficient

In today's world-in-motion everything seems to involve a car trip, from driving the kids to sports to shopping or getting to work.  We're so used to using our vehicles that it's tough doing without them.  Remember the days where we used to walk to the shops?  One of the best ways to fight climate change is to use your vehicle less.

Every kilometre you don't drive means less carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere, so look for ways to replace car journeys with alternative forms of transport such as walking, cycling or catching the bus.

When you do need to drive make sure it's "fuel-efficient driving".  This means reducing cruising speeds, anticipating traffic flows to drive more smoothly, shutting windows and removing roof-racks to improve aerodynamics, keeping tyres correctly inflated, switching your engine off while waiting for someone and having your car regularly serviced - can reduce fuel consumption by up to a third.

If you are a new car buyer, consider a small, more fuel-efficient one.

Flying is another major source of greenhouse gas emissions.  Before you book your next business meeting, consider other alternatives like teleconferencing by computer instead of making an unnecessary trip abroad.  Only go for the trips you need to actually be there in person for.

Facts

• The average Australian car travels 15,000km per year, emitting around four tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• There are around 11 million cars and trucks in Australia. They consume around 26 billion litres of fuel every year.
• Road traffic accounts for 16 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gases.

Tips

• Don't drive to work - catch the bus, walk or cycle to closer destinations.
• Holiday closer to home - How much of Fiji have you seen with your own eyes?
• Combine local errands in one trip. Car engines are least efficient while warming up and in urban traffic, so short trips are relatively more polluting.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from freight transport by buying local food and products.
• Be in the habit of keeping a garden and plant trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.