meaghan posted on April 27, 2010 12:10
NCDOT LAUNCHES "DRIVE GREEN, SAVE GREEN" CAMPAIGN TO HELP MOTORISTS REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION, SAVE MONEY
Simple, no-cost practices good for environment and pocketbook
RALEIGH - As people in North Carolina and across the globe celebrate Earth Day, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announces a new initiative to encourage drivers to do their part for the environment by conserving fuel. The "Drive Green, Save Green" Web site, launched today at www.ncdot.gov/programs/drivegreen/, is full of useful information and tips about driving habits, vehicle maintenance and alternative transportation that will help drivers use less fuel and save money at the gas pump.
"This educational campaign teaches us how a few simple green driving techniques can put green in our pocket and enable us all to breath a little easier by helping North Carolina's air quality," said N.C. Transportation Secretary Gene Conti.
Along with the N.C. Division of Air Quality, several North Carolina environmental organizations have joined NCDOT in supporting this effort. They include the North Carolina office of the Environmental Defense Fund, Clean Air Carolina, the Conservation Council of North Carolina and the North Carolina Conservation Network.
"Driving green is good for the planet, and good for your pocketbook," said Michael Regan, Environmental Defense Fund director for North Carolina and Southeast Climate and Air Policy.
Sections on the Web site include:
* Drive more efficiently - Learn how small changes in your driving habits, like going a little slower, using cruise control or turning off the air conditioner can add up to big savings.
* Maintain your vehicle - Tips for simple, regular maintenance that can help you save on gas and avoid more costly repairs.
* Drive less - Find public transit in your area, locate a carpool buddy, and get information on biking and walking in North Carolina.
Adopting these simple, cost-effective driving habits can amount to big savings, as detailed in the "Did You Know?" section of the site. Here, drivers can learn that an air conditioner can consume up to one gallon of gas per tank to cool a vehicle and using cruise control on 10,000 of the miles driven in a year can save nearly $200.
The site also contains useful links to various green driving, also called eco-driving, Web sites, including a Fuel Economy Guide to help drivers purchase a fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs and an extensive eco-driving guide to learn how to drive efficiently depending on location and the weather.
The new "Drive Green, Save Green," site is part of a larger overall effort by NCDOT and its campaign partners to increase public awareness of cost savings obtained through fuel conservation.