Community Eco-Challenge, Southern Group Environmental Health Committee, Riverside House, Armagh, BT61 9EG. Tel:02837515800  Fax:02837515801  Email:info@communityecochallenge.com

Calculate your Ecological footprint! Click here      Calculate your Ecological footprint! Click here      Calculate your Ecological footprint! Click here      Calculate your Ecological footprint! Click here MIND HOW YOU GO! The way in which we drive can affect how much fuel we use and how much pollution you emit. By driving more sensitively we can reduce emissions, making those essential journeys less harmful. Here are a few tips: Go slower! Driving at 70mph uses up to 30% more fuel than driving at 50mph. The most efficient speed is between 55mph and 65mph. Change gears! Change up before 2500revs if you have a petrol car, or 2000revs if you have a diesel car. Idling wastes fuel—you use more fuel sitting idling for 45 seconds, than if you turned off the engine and restarted 45 seconds later. Roof racks, bike carriers and even having your window open on the motorway all affect the aerodynamics of your car and reduce efficiency—remove them if not in use. Keep your car regularly serviced, make sure your tyre pressures are correct. If you are thinking of buying a new car, think carefully! Does it need to be so big?! Ask the sales person about the carbon emissions—anything below 120g/km is good. If you can afford it, why not think about a hybrid car—they are more efficient than conventional cars.