Cars are responsible for 11% of the UK's carbon emissions
Average Family Car 1: 2 litre petrol car 8000 miles (3.55 tonnes of carbon dioxide) Car 2 : 1.3 litre petrol car 4000 miles (2.24 tonnes of carbon dioxide)
Try to use public transport instead of your car. Let someone else take the road rage while you relax a enjoy the scenery. You'll have the added benefit of not having to worry about finding a parking space and parking charges
Get fit while helping the environment by leaving the car at home if you can. Walk or cycle to the pub or when getting the paper at the weekend
Try to car share to work or share the school run. Someone else has to defrost the car in the morning and by sharing the school runs you will gain some extra time
Look out for park and ride schemes when going shopping. The parking is usually free
Do you really need a large car? If not, consider downsizing to a smaller more efficient vehicle
Check the MPG of any new car you are considering. You may be surprised at just how economical some of the newer models are
If you need a car, consider a hybrid one which uses a combination of petrol and electric power
When considering a new car look at the biodiesel options
Converting your car to use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) will cost approximately £1,750 but will reduce the cost of your fuel by 40%
Plan enough time for your journey. This will encourage you not to put your foot on the accelerator more than necessary and lead to a fuel saving
Make sure your car tyres are at the correct pressure otherwise your fuel consumption will be affected. Remember to check the pressures if you tow a trailer, boat or caravan. Tyres need to be inflated more for towing. Remember to deflate to the non-towing pressure after your journey
Spring clean the interior of your car – heavy unused items left in your car at all times will affect fuel consumption. Some items will also encourage thieves
Take the roof rack off your car when you don't require it. Removing it will increase the MPG dramatically
Wash the car with a bucket of water rather than the hosepipe. If you have a water butt, use that water. Do you really need to wash the car every week? Washing the windows, lights and number plates will be enough most weeks