Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

Transportation

Practice Eco-Driving!

by

Summer is right around the corner, and you know what that means. Road trips! Traveling by car is one of the most popular modes of transportation when it comes to vacationing. It’s proposed that 200 million Americans will be taking a road trip this summer. Including urban travel, that is a lot of pollution entering the atmosphere. Whether it’s driving to your job or traveling across the country, there are ways to drive more sustainably.

Eco-driving is a form of driving that significantly reduces the impact of gasoline on the environment. It improves a car’s efficiency and gas mileage by reducing fuel usage, saving you money and reducing our collective dependence on oil. The simplest solution to save gas is to stop idling. Not only is it against the law to idle for more than one minute in Park City, idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

Another easy tip is to accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Maintaining a steady speed at a low RPM while avoiding rapid acceleration and braking, reduces fuel burn. Using cruise control lets the car do that for you. It’s also recommended to observe the posted speed limits by driving either at or under the posted limit. The EPA estimates a 10-15% improvement in gas mileage by driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph. While saving gas, you’re also reducing your risk of getting a speeding ticket or in a car accident. Do yourself and the environment a favor by incorporating these easy tricks into your driving routine!

By Anna Duffy

Thinking About Going Electric?

by

You’re thinking about buying an electric vehicle as our future moves this way.  But the choices are overwhelming, cost is high and charging situation is precarious. First of all, congratulations for even thinking about it. If you need a new smart phone, would you consider buying an I-5? It’s a change we all need to grasp whether we’re in the car-buying market, or not. And the good news is that prices are slowly decreasing and battery charge ranges, charger sites and style options (including AW drive) are increasing.

Electric vehicles (EV) are fast, fun, require little maintenance and emit no tailpipe emissions. Numerous auto manufacturers now offer them with more on the horizon. While the allure is exciting, it’s important to have a charging plan. Charging at home may require an upgrade to a 220 volt outlet – and where else are chargers in town or close to work?

The price range is $30,000 – $100,000, but the federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit (for most models). Long-term thinking is key, however, as EV’s are cheaper to own. Considering gasoline, oil changes and maintenance, a Consumer Reports study found the average EV driver will spend 50-60% less than a gas-vehicle owner.  Additionally, there’s lower life-cycle emissions which will further improve as the electric grid adds renewable power. If a full EV isn’t possible right now, consider a plug-in hybrid or e-bike as a stepping stone! It could be the ideal solution for short commutes, work, and errands.

By Mary Closser