Use these resources to find out more about climate change and how it can be combated:
- Department of Climate Change
- Greenhouse Friendly Approved Abatement Providers
- Fuel Consumption Labeling
- RMIT Carbon Offset Guide
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional development and Local Government
- Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
- Garnaut Climate Change Review
- Drive smoothly, keep an eye on your revs and be gentle with your gearbox, changing up before you reach 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel). Harsh acceleration and braking can use up to 30% more fuel.
- Take the time to plan your journey to make it as short and efficient as possible.
- If you have a manual transmission, fuel economy typically improves when shifts occur at lower speeds.
- Ensure your car is tuned and serviced regularly. The worst polluters on our roads tend to be old cars. If you do drive an older car, help the environment by making sure it is tuned according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Reduce your speed. Driving slowly reduces fuel consumption. In fact, travelling at 110kph uses up to 25% more fuel than cruising at 90kph.
- Travel lightly and remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics.
- Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, as soft tyres result in higher rolling resistance and higher fuel consumption.
- Consider how much you use your air conditioner - it can use up to 10% extra fuel.
- Avoid peak-hour. If traffic is stationary switch off the engine, even if you stop for a short time. Idling wastes fuel.
- Filling up past the first click of the fuel nozzle means that fuel can be lost through the overflow pipe when you accelerate or go around corners.
- Car-pool wherever possible.