Gas-saving tips for the good of the planet and... your wallet

There is no doubt that the use of gasoline is harmful to our planet. Scientists explain that this is due to the fact that gasoline releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is linked to global climate change. To make matters worse, gasoline also emits other pollutants, among them carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons, which all create air pollution.

Today, the NPR program "Talk of the Nation", had a segment in which Amy Mattinat, automotive expert for askpatty.com gave listeners some tips on how to save money at the pump by improving their mileage. By following her recommendations, we can definitely save a few dollars but most importantly, we can reduce the amount of gasoline we waste, therefore helping the environment, through these simple steps:

1. Slowing down.
One of the best things you can do to save gas is to go at the speed limit whenever possible.
Remember: for every 5 miles per hour (mph) that you go over 60 mph., you're paying the equivalent of an extra 20 cents per gallon!

2. Using cruise-control.
If you have the cruise-control feature in your car, use it! This will help improve your fuel mileage by helping you drive at a steady speed.

3. Don't drive like a maniac!
When you push on the gas pedal and accelerate, and when you suddenly slam on the brakes, you unnecessarily waste a lot of gas.

4. Avoiding excesive idling.
According to Patty, when your car's idling away, not only do you get zero miles per gallon, but you also burn more gas than if you restarted the engine. As if that weren't bad enough, idling also increases your car's toxic emissions, so stop!

5. Plan all your shopping and errands so you can make them all in one trip.
Patty explains that "several short stop and go errands can use twice as much fuel than a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance".

These are just a few of the free and easy ways you can save some money at the pump and at the same time, help reduce air pollution. Visit Patty's website for more useful ideas.