Celebrate Labor Day the Environmental Way

New York - As Labor Day approaches and Americans from coast to coast pack their cars and head for the highway, Environmental Defense is providing some tips for making this year’s Labor Day weekend travel weigh less heavily on the environment, your car, and your budget.

We all know that driving contributes to air pollution and smog, exacerbating respiratory problems and obscuring scenic vistas. Vehicles also produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

“It only takes a few minutes to make your car and driving habits more efficient. Reducing pollution and saving money is that simple,” said Dean Menke, pollution prevention specialist at Environmental Defense. The following steps can help reduce the adverse impacts of driving on the environment and your wallet:

• Check the tires. Have your wheels aligned and keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure wastes over two million gallons of gasoline in the United States every day.

• Travel light and pack smart. Avoid hauling unnecessary loads; extra weight decreases fuel economy and increases pollutant emissions. Placing luggage inside rather than on the roof or trunk of the vehicle maintains an aerodynamic profile, minimizing drag and increasing mileage.

• Accelerate and decelerate smoothly and gradually. Jack-rabbit starts consume up to 50% more fuel than slow, steady accelerations.

• Get some fresh air. Try to avoid using your vehicle’s air conditioning whenever possible. Air conditioning can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 12% in stop-and-go traffic.

• Park it, once there. Once at your destination, consider parking your car and using other modes of transportation to get around. Walk to dinner, rent bikes to go shopping, or take the bus. Reducing the amount you drive can have the greatest benefit on the environment.