Extreme weather conditions are sweeping the world, including the U.K. The Met reported that an extreme and record-high heatwave encompassed the U.K. from July 16 to 19, with the highest temperatures experienced on July 18 and 19. The highest temperature was 40.3°C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire. In various areas, the temperature also went beyond 40°C. According to the Met Office, climate change has increased the likelihood of extreme temperatures in the U.K. by 10 times.
Because of these conditions, sustainability is on the mind of most people nowadays. If you love to travel, read on for tips on how to drive across the U.K. sustainably. There are many things you can do to make your travels more environmentally friendly. Here are a few tips.
Carpool and Plan Your Route
It is best to use public transportation but if you must drive, find a way to carpool with others whenever possible. Maximize the number of people in the vehicle to minimize the number of vehicles on the road. Not only will this save gas money, but it will also reduce emissions because there are fewer vehicles involved.
You can organize carpools by using online ride-sharing platforms. You can also coordinate with co-workers, friends, and family who live near you and have similar schedules and destinations.
Try to avoid congested areas as much as possible when planning your route. Not only will this help reduce emissions from idling in traffic, but it will also save you time. Use apps that find the best routes for you in real-time.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
Most people know that they should try to keep their car in good condition and get regular tune-ups, but they may not realize just how important this is for the environment. When a car is properly maintained, it runs more efficiently and produces less pollution.
In addition, well-maintained vehicles tend to last longer, which reduces the overall amount of waste and resources that are used to produce new cars. Of course, tune-ups can be expensive, but the long-term benefits are worth the investment. Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on fuel and repairs in the long run.
Use Fuel Additives
You can use the SulNOxEco™ Fuel Conditioner for diesel that will make it burn cleanly and with more efficiency. This happens by emulsifying the water in the fuel, boosting lubricity by more than 30%. That increases the availability of oxygen. As a result, environmentally harmful emissions are reduced drastically, as certified by the U.K. Bureau Veritas. It will also mean substantial cost savings. The additive’s ingredients are all-natural and biodegradable.
The company highlights that this is different from traditional fossil fuel-based fuel additives since those are usually made from xylene or naphthalene. Such waste refinery products are not decarbonization solutions. Even if they make the fuel burn more, they add to the problem of using more fossil fuels.
Enjoy the Fresh Air
Avoid using air conditioning or heating as much as possible if the temperature outside is fine. Both of these use a lot of energy and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Lower the vehicle’s windows and enjoy the fresh air if you are not driving through a polluted area. Fresh, clean air is good for your health. It can help improve your mood, reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, improve overall mental well-being, and give you a boost of energy. It can even help you sleep better at night time.
Exposure to fresh air can also help to improve cognitive function and increase creativity. So the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try taking a drive where the air is fresh with your windows down. You might just be surprised by how much better you feel.
Pack Light, Reuse, and Recycle
The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it will use. So, it’s important to pack light whenever possible. If you’re going on a long road trip, make sure to only bring what you need. Choose multipurpose items that you can make the most use of.
Reuse items rather than throw them away. You will reduce the volume of waste from your trip. For example, bring along a reusable water bottle or coffee mug instead of using disposable plastic bottles and cups.
If you do need to dispose of something away, recycle it if you can when you reach your destination. Most cities and localities have recycling programs now, and it’s easier than ever to recycle responsibly.
Following these tips will help you to drive more sustainably and do your part to protect the environment. So next time you hit the road, keep these things in mind and enjoy your journey.
