Right now, buying an EV or hybrid to reduce your carbon footprint is a major goal for a lot of people. However, if you’re like most people, the prospect of whipping out your wallet and spending big to buy the latest vehicle probably makes you a bit queasy.
Luckily, there are some things you can do right now that can make a big difference in your carbon footprint, without going bankrupt trying to buy a brand-new EV.
Read the following tips on how to reduce your waste and emissions. Plus, discover how you can land your new eco-friendly vehicle faster than you may think.
1: Cleaning
This is one tip many people ignore but just think about it.
When you wash your car, all the chemicals you use to remove the dirt and grime build-up get washed off, poured all over the ground or end up in the water ways.
The problem is most of the chemicals are not eco-friendly, and we’re willing to bet you wash your car often.
Instead, choose environmentally friendly cleaning products. This may even mean you have to hand wash your car with a bucket at home. But at least you will know you are helping the environment.
Not only are these products less damaging to nature when they soak into the soil or travel into water systems, but they’re also not as harsh on your car’s paint job.
2: Use an Auto Wrecker
When it comes to repairing our current cars many of us turn to purchasing brand new parts. However, you may be surprised to learn that auto wreckers can provide an almost exact match part for a fraction of the cost.
Most people think of auto wreckers as a dumping ground for written off cars that are damaged beyond repair. While that is true, not all of these damaged vehicles are useless.
For example, a car that has suffered significant rear end damage could still have all the engine parts fully intact, and vice versa.
After an auto wrecker collects an unwanted car, it will not only break down and recycle the metal, plastic, and fluids of the vehicle, it will also dismantle the functional parts that can be salvaged and sell them at highly discounted prices.
By using these parts, you are reducing waste as the part is only just sitting there ready to be used anyway. So, think using your local auto wrecker the next time your vehicle needs repairs.
Also, when it is time to get rid of your car, if it is not worth reselling privately, then consider selling to an auto wrecker to help recycle its useable components.
3: Buy a 2nd Hand Eco-Friendly Car
Hybrids and other highly fuel-efficient cars have been out for a while. So, for sure if you own this type of vehicle, you are doing a better job for the environment.
Of course, when it comes to getting a new vehicle, we all want that brand new car smell. However, It’s both expensive and unnecessary.
Buying second hand gives you all the benefits of owning an eco-friendly model without the hefty price tag of buying new. The good news is you can land one of those at a solid price point by buying used.
You might worry about a salesman tricking you into buying garbage that doesn’t last a week or pouring money into a lemon that needs repairs. This is where due diligence and modern tech come into play.
Ask the seller and check online for complete wreck records, owner history, service history, and other reports to determine whether they are truly offering a good deal. This can remove some risk from your purchase.
