Do “OneThing” to Go Green

Governor M. Jodi Rell has launched a campaign to get the state’s 3.5 million residents to do one thing a day, every day to reduce personal energy consumption. The governor wants each Connecticut resident to take one small step that in one year would add up to 1.2 billion One-Things - more than enough to make a real difference on issues such as consumption, conservation and the use of clean and renewable energy.

It should come as no surprise that transportation figures into the governor’s campaign. On the campaign’s website, www.onethingct.com, there is an entire section labeled “transportation” with tips on how to save energy.

If you’re driving a personal auto to work, consider sharing the ride or taking transit.  Contact a ConnDOT Commuter Services Representative at (800) 972-3279 or email cs@rideshare.com to learn about options for your commute.

If you’re already using mass transit or carpooling, then give your self a round of applause. But even mass transit riders usually have personal automobiles, so here’s some tips to add more One-Things to your travel routine.

• Drive slowly for your first few miles to warm up your engine and avoid wasting gas.
• Dump your trunk and run lean. Excess weight in your car can reduce your gas mileage.
• Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it.
• Slow down! Every 5-mile increase above 60 mph is an extra 10 cents per gallon of gas you have to put into your car.
• Plan out your errands so you can do them all in one trip.
• To save on gas and oil, have your car serviced regularly.
• Streamline your car. Accessories like roof racks and cargo carriers decrease fuel efficiency by 5%.
• Buy local food. It takes less transportation fuel to get it to the store.
• Buy in bulk when you can. Fewer trips to the store mean fewer trips to the gas station.
• Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33% and city mileage 5%.
• Always use the grade of motor oil and gas your car manufacturer recommends. It’s better for the car and for fuel efficiency.
• Check your car's air filter monthly and replace it as needed. It’s a cheap part and can increase your gas mileage and save fuel.
• Check your car's heater and air conditioner for clogs and save $130 per year. Filter obstructions force your car to work harder to blow air out, wasting energy.
• Check your tires monthly to make sure they stay inflated. It's safer for you, saves gas, and could save you hundreds of dollars.
• If you are going to the movies with some friends, take one car, not four.
• If you have more than one car, use the most efficient one as much as possible, especially for quick trips and city driving.
• Put your car on a diet. Limit yourself to a certain amount of gas each week and use alternative forms of transportation at least a few days a week!