5 Things to Consider When Buying a Green Car

Recent news about global warming and greenhouse gases has prompted a cause for concern regarding vehicle gas emissions and a movement toward green cars. Although today's automobiles are made much cleaner than those of a generation ago, they still remain among the largest causes of environmental damage. Environmental impacts begin when automobiles are made, continue through their lifetime, and don't even end when the vehicles are scrapped, since waste disposal creates pollution too!
So how does a green-minded consumer go about buying a car? With so many options out there, choosing the right car can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Lucky for you, we're here to help. Here are five top tips to help you get started.

1. Be efficient
Buying more fuel-efficient cars is one of the single biggest steps you can take to reduce the carbon emissions that primarily cause global warming. High levels of CO2 trap heat in the atmosphere, thus inducing warmer temperatures. Understanding what comes out of a car, being informed about the conservation and efficient use of fuel, and being responsible for your decisions can help you appreciate the importance of considering a green vehicle when it comes time to purchase one.

2. Keep it clean
Even the cleanest and most efficient vehicle today still pollutes the environment. A number of pollutants associated with automobiles – nitrogen oxides, sulfer dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide – aggravate respiratory problems and pollute the air In particular, nitrogen oxides are a key component of smog, which contributes to health and environmental concerns. A well-built, good, and clean engine will reduce environmental pollutants and keep the air quality healthy for you and those around you.

3. Longevity
Sometimes it’s better to keep what you’ve got, no matter how tempting a shiny new product is. Considering the enormous amount of energy it takes to manufacture a car, try finding one you know will last a long time. Properly maintaining your car will also help prevent future breakdowns, deliver better gas mileage, and alleviate costs.
4. Think small
Heavier vehicles require more energy to manufacture and more fuel to run. Consider fuel efficiency when comparing a car’s engine power as powerful engines use more fuel.

5. Go hybrid
Hybrid vehicles, which combine gas and electricity, provide one way to efficiently use energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Some benefits of hybrid cars are fuel-efficiency and lower ownership costs. However, not all hybrids are created equally. You may want to consider checking consumer reports and compare efficiency before purchasing.

~ Christine Chan

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