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10 ways to cut your fuel use
13 September 2000
With petrol pumps around the country running dry, Friends of the Earth today published a 10 point guide for motorists on how they can make their petrol last longer by cutting their fuel use, and help the environment at the same time.
There are a number of measures that drivers can use to make driving more fuel-efficient,and plenty of ways to cut down on unnecessary car-use. And with less cars on the road it might be an ideal time to get your bicycle road-worthy and get on your bike.
Tony Bosworth, Transport Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“With the fuel crisis biting deeply, motorists around the country are having to cut their fuel use and seek out alternatives to the car. There are lots of sensible and straightforward things that people can do, and many involve little effort. People should seriously consider continuing with them even when the pumps start running again.If people are concerned about high petrol prices, cutting fuel-use and leaving the car at home when you can, will save money and help to tackle the threat of global climate change too.”
Walk or cycle short journeys
Many car journeys are relatively short - 8%are under a mile long, and a quarter under 2 miles long. Think about whether you could walk or cycle some of these journeys. It's less polluting and more healthy.
Go by bus or train
For longer journeys, find out whether there is a bus or train that you could use instead of driving.
Share a car
If everyone who normally drives to work were to get a lift with someone else just once a week, car commuting would fall by around a quarter. Ask around at work to find someone who lives near you.
Work at home
If you work in an office, do you really have to go in today? Talk to your employer about working at home.
Shop locally
Instead of driving miles to an out-of-town supermarket, why not use your local shops?
Walk your children to school
A fifth of cars on the road in the morning peak period are parents driving their children to school. If you are taking your children to school, could you walk instead?
Cut your speed
Driving at higher speeds uses more fuel. The average car uses about a quarter more fuel travelling at 70mph than at 50mph
Drive smoothly
Try to drive as smoothly as possible. Harshacceleration and heavy braking waste fuel.
Pump up your tyres
Make sure your tyres are at the right pressure - this helps make your car more fuel-efficient.
Cut down on weight
The heavier or less aerodynamic your car, the more fuel it uses. So take off your roof rack and take unnecessary weight out of the boot.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
