Consider buying a hybrid or electric car to reduce fuel usage, decrease pollution, and lessen your carbon footprint. .
Keep in mind that purchasing an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle may make you eligible for , which greatly reduces the overall cost of the car.
Tips for Use:
Keep your car well-maintained and tires properly inflated to improve your fuel efficiency by up to 4%.
Clean out unnecessary cargo and avoid carrying items on your roof to lighten the burden on your vehicle and increase fuel efficiency.
Accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Rapid acceleration and rapid braking can increase fuel consumption by
Speeding decreases your car’s efficiency. Each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph reduces your fuel economy by about 7% to 14%.
Avoid Idling.
Use cruise control on the highway to maintain speed and save gas.
Tips for Use:
Carpool or participate in ride share programs. Cut your fuel costs in half, reduce wear on your car, and take advantage of High Occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
Walk if possible or ride a bike, bus, or train. Benefits include more exercise, saving money, cutting emissions, and avoiding parking.
Support investments in public transportation in your community. Investments in public transportation decrease fuel consumption, increase property values, and create jobs.
All Mainecard holders can ride the for free! The University also operates a free local bus service, the Black Bear Orono Express.
Office of Sustainability 312-314 Corbett Hall Orono, Maine 04469-5774 Tel: 207.581.1571 sustainability@maine.edu
