Go Green

Get the Most Out of Your Gas

When you must use your car, follow these guidelines to conserve gas:

Service your car regularly. Keep your tires properly inflated. Don't let the car idle for more than 30 seconds. Accelerate gradually and stick to the speed limit. Use cruise control for highway driving, whenever possible. Turn off the air conditioner or dehumidifier when it's no longer needed.

Reduce your load—empty your trunk of all unnecessary items. Remove a roof rack when it's not in use. When buying a new car, choose a more efficient model, or consider buying a hybrid car. Don't buy fuel with a higher octane than your car's manufacturer recommends—it won't make your car run faster or better; it will just cost you more money!

Live Closer to Your Destinations
When looking for a new house, explore neighborhoods that are near your workplace, have public transportation, and offer easy access to the places you visit most often. A shorter commute can save you hundreds of miles—and hours—over the course of a year. Living close to your destinations also makes it much easier for your family to downsize to one car, reducing a big chunk of household expenses.

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Start a "Walking School Bus"
If your children's school is within walking distance of your home, here's a fun, safe, and active way for kids of all ages to travel to and from school. The idea is for one or more adults to accompany children as they walk along a set route.

stops in the afternoon. This win-win solution reduces traffic on the road, gives everyone healthful exercise, lets kids have fun with their friends, and teaches them safety and independence. When the weather is bad, a carpool can temporarily fill in, following the same route.

Shop Locally
By shopping close to home, your car trips will be shorter, so you'll use less gas and save time. You may even be able to get to some stores on foot or by public transportation.

Consider shopping at a nearby farmer's market and at stores that use local suppliers. That way you'll be supporting your local economy and reducing the number of heavy trucks traveling long distances.

If you live in Sonoma County make sure to visit the Wednesday Night Farmer's Market in downtown Santa Rosa during the summer months. Sebastopol has a great farmers market with yummy organic fruits and vegetables every Sunday.. right across the street from Whole Foods.

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Walk or Cycle
Your own two feet or a bicycle are options for distances under three miles. The benefits are multiple: no emissions whatsoever, no traffic jams to deal with, and no parking worries—as well as a healthier you! Be sure to follow bicycle safety rules.

Motorcycles, electric bikes, and scooters can carry you longer distances, using fewer resources than your car

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