Green transport

Getting to and from our houses in the greenest way is a critical part of what it means to live an eco-friendly home life. We all love the convenience of using our cars. This page will encourage you to use alternative means of transport when you can. When there really is no alternative, the way we use our cars and the types of cars we drive can make a huge difference to our impact on the environment.

Cars produce CO2 when they burn the petrol or diesel on which they run. CO2 contributes to global warming and climate change and so, by driving our cars, we are damaging the environment. Luckily, there are some very simple ways to reduce this damage. GreenSteps has brought together some top-tips below:

For short journeys, consider walking or using a bike. This will improve your health and wellbeing as well as minimising damage to the environment.
Try to use public transport where this provides a viable alternative. Trains and buses produce far less CO2 per passenger.
Try to combine journeys to avoid making lots of separate trips.
Keep your car in good shape - a well serviced car will be more fuel efficient.
Keep tyres pumped up to the correct level as stated in the manufacturer's handbook.
Replace the car's air filter when necessary.
Drive your car efficiently:
Avoid erratic driving - accelerate and brake smoothly to improve your fuel economy and drive in the highest gear possible at higher speeds.
Avoid driving too fast - every 5mph over 60mph can reduce your fuel economy by 10%!

LPG (Autogas)

GreenSteps can provide a quote to convert your vehicle to run on LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas). Get a quote now
Converting a petrol vehicle to run on LPG can have big benefits for the environment and for your wallet:

LPG produces about 20% less CO2 than petrol and about 120 times less particulate pollution and 20 times less Nitrogen oxide pollution than diesel.
LPG retails at less than half the price of petrol and diesel - you should save about 40% off your fuel bill with an LPG car.
The government gives 3 years advanced notice of any changes in LPG fuel duty, so fuel duty will on LPG will not change for at least 3 years.
LPG vehicles qualify for lower road tax.
Cars converted to run on LPG through GreenSteps qualify for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.
LPG is available throughout the UK - click here to see the Energy Saving Trust's map of LPG filling stations.
Converting your petrol vehicle to run on LPG costs between £1500 and £2000 for a car or a light van - with a 40% reduction in your fuel bill, this cost can be re-couped very quickly. Cars converted through GreenSteps can still run on regular petrol if LPG is not available.

CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE TO CONVERT YOUR VEHICLE TO LPG

CAR CLUBS

If you live in a city and use a car, why not join a car club?
Streetcar is the UK's largest car club with a fleet of new VW Golfs on the streets of London, Brighton and Southampton, for rent by the hour, day, week or month.

Joining Streetcar is free (there is a £150 fully refundable deposit).
To rent a car through streetcar costs:
1 hour: £4.95
24 hours (weekdays): £35
24 hours (weekends): £49.50
5 days (Monday to Friday): £150
7 days: £195
30 days: £695

To find out more and to join Streetcar, click here.

Biodiesel

Biodiesels are mainly made from renewable resources such as animal fats or vegetable oils. Biodiesel made from vegetable crops is considered Carbon neutral due to the CO2 absorbed during the plant's growth being equivalent to that released in burning the fuel. Biodiesel can replace diesel in the most frequent uses. Many modern diesel cars can run on biodiesel. See www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk for more information on how to use biodiesel in your car.

Electric and Hybrid cars

Electric and Hybrid cars are now mass produced and available in mainstream outlets. Cars worth considering include the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid. Electric city cars are now more commonplace and very practical - try the Mega City electric vehicle at www.nicecarcompany.co.uk or the G-Wiz at www.goingreen.co.uk.