Lighten Up

Next time you're travelling, think about what you're carrying. Any extra weight causes extra strain on the vehicle you're in, which in turn burns more fossil fuels. Lighten your load as much as you can.

When driving,for example, take out of the car whatever you don't need. Take the extra seats out of your van if you're not using them. Weight is the single most significant contributor to fuel usage; for every hundred pounds in cargo, you lose between one and two percent of fuel economy. Even carrying wet or heavy snow will make a difference be sure to clean all accumulated snow and ice off your car before driving.

Leaving unused ski-, bike-, or roof-racks on your car will not only add unnecessary weight, but will also contribute to drag, which reduces your car's efficiency as well.

When flying,don't pack anything heavy that you don't really require. Air travel is among the very worst culprits in terms of carbon emissions, and a lighter load means better fuel efficiency.

Lastly, think carefully about where the products you buy have come from. Buy beer and wine that has been brewed and more importantly, bottled locally. Glass and liquids are very heavy to ship, and when you buy beer that's been bottled far away, you're contributing to the carbon emissions that result from the beer's transport. The same goes for just about any product the closer to you it's been produced, the less transportation it has experienced. And a heavier product means more emissions than a lighter product.

The idea for today's Green Tip came from reader Lois Hardy, in Ottawa, Canada. Thanks, Lois!

Comments? Questions? Feedback? Got an idea for a Daily Green Tip? Tip the tipper.