In 2004 the average cost of a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline was $1.85. By January 2008 that amount had risen about 60 percent, to $3.04. Also, the average car produces about 4,500 lbs. of Carbon Dioxide, 160 lbs. of Carbon Monoxide, and 16 lbs. of volatile organic compounds each year. So by finding different ways to get around you will not only spend less at the pump, but you’ll also be helping to clean up the air around you.
- Keeping your car clean and well maintained could increase your gas mileage by 20 percent, saving you approximately $350 a year. By ensuring that your engine is finely tuned, the air filters are clean, the tires are properly inflated, and that there is no excess weight in your trunk, you will not only be saving gas but also avoiding future costly repairs.
- Carpool and make new friends while splitting gas money and driving duties. The average commute in Portland is just over 20 miles a day, which could add up to almost $1,500 worth of gas per year. By ridesharing with just one other person you could cut that in half.
- Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, constant braking) may decrease your gas mileage up to 33 percent, which could cost you over $1 per gallon and about $600 extra a year. Not to mention how much it will cost you if you’re in an accident. NOTE: By following the three driving tips above (keep your car maintained, avoid aggressive driving, carpool) you could potentially save about $1,700 a year. Imagine what you could do with that money rather then spending it on gas.
- Portland has one of the best public transportation systems in the country so take advantage. Why drive from PSU to Powell’s when you can take the streetcar for free? Fareless Square covers most of downtown all the way to the Lloyd Center. For more information about Portland’s public transportation options check out www.trimet.org.
- Don’t have that far to go? Walk. It’s good exercise, it’s free, and for thousands of years it has been the most reliable form of transportation we have.
Cortright, J. (2007). Portland’s green dividend [Electronic version]. Retrieved Feb. 24, 2008, from http://www.ceosforcities.org/internal/files/PGD%20FINAL.pdf.
Erideshare.com (2008). Erideshare.com and the environment [Electronic version]. Retrieved Feb. 24, 2008, from www.erideshare.com.
Fueleconomy.gov (2008). Gas mileage tips [Electronic version]. Retrieved Feb. 24, 2008, from www.fueleconomy.gov.
Trimet.org (2008). Fareless Square [Electronic version]. Retrieved Feb. 26, 2008, from www.trimet.org.
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