Buy a More Efficient Vehicle

Your budget may not yet stretch to a quality EV, but it may just stretch to a more efficient vehicle than the one you already own. If you do a lot of driving, it makes sense to research the most fuel-efficient cars on the market to reduce your emissions. Explore local car lots and ask about trade-in prices. You may be surprised by how straightforward the upgrade process can be.

Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid as a Middle Step

If you’re not ready for a full EV, hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can be an excellent middle ground. Traditional hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Honda Accord Hybrid improve fuel efficiency by 20–35% compared to similar gas-only models. PHEVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime or Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, can run short daily commutes on electricity alone while still offering a gas engine for longer trips.

This makes them practical for people who want lower emissions without worrying about charging infrastructure for long drives. Even upgrading to a used hybrid can cut your emissions and fuel costs significantly.

Travel Light

Our vehicles can end up ‘catch-alls’ for personal items and even trash. It may not seem like a big deal, but even small items all add up. For every additional 100 pounds of weight in your car, your fuel economy reduces by around two percent.

Empty the trunk or cabin and remove roof racks and boxes when they’re not in use. These small changes can contribute to improved fuel economy, increased savings, and a reduced environmental impact.

Lifecycle Perspective

Buying a new car, even if it’s more efficient, comes with hidden environmental costs from manufacturing, shipping, and materials. In fact, building a new car can produce as much as 20%–30% of its total lifetime emissions before it’s even driven.

That means keeping your current vehicle running efficiently for as long as possible can sometimes be greener than rushing to replace it. Proper maintenance and mindful driving extend vehicle lifespan, reduce the carbon embedded in manufacturing, and delay waste entering the scrap stream.