Go Green

Just a few years ago, there was little incentive for anyone to buy a ‘green’ or hybrid car. Such new environmentally friendly vehicles struggled for street cred next to the more speedy gas guzzlers of old. It seemed that only if you had a real passion for environmental change would you consider opting for an eco-car, and even then you would run the risk of general ridicule.

But the world has changed dramatically and more people than ever are not just facing up to fears of climate change but are looking to do something practical about it. In early 2006, More Than insurance conducted a survey that revealed that up to one in six people would consider switching to a hybrid car. Since then, sales of hybrid cars have doubled in the UK. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMM) show that 6,538 hybrid vehicles were purchased in 2006 to 2007 – while in 2005 to 2006, just 3,117 cars with auxiliary batteries as power sources were sold. Meanwhile, the SMM figures also reveal that sales of sports utility vehicles dropped by a not insignificant 12%.

Car insurance companies have wisely responded to the switch in consumer behaviour by offering ‘eco-friendly’ policies. CIS was one of the first companies to offer ‘ecoinsurance’. The policy offsets 20% of your car’s CO2 emissions by investing in projects like reforestation, renewable energy sources and third-world education schemes. It also offers a 10% discount for cars in tax band A – those that emit less than 100g of CO2 per kilometre. It also appoints repairers that only use recycled materials – a package of incentives that should rightly please the more environmentally minded.

More recently, other car insurance companies have come out of the eco-friendly woodwork. More Than offers all new customers free carbon offsetting for the first 3,000 miles, if you buy your insurance online. Drivers with hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles are also offered a discount of up to 15%. Newly launched Ibuyeco also enables drivers to offset 100% of their carbon emissions. It offers two quotes – one for your premium and another to offset your emissions.

Although you need to look at all premium payments carefully before making a decision on your insurance, it also seems that some of the eco-friendly policies are competitively priced. CIS, for example, offers a good premium on a quote for a 35-year-old teacher driving a 2004 1.5l Toyota Prius (£307.83 compared to £339.15 with Tesco or £347.55 with Direct Line).

Most of us have been moved to consider environmental issues in recent years and it is good to see that insurance companies are responding to consumer pressure by providing policies that encourage motorists to go green. “Drivers are becoming more and more concerned over the impact they are having on the environment. By providing eco-friendly insurance policies, companies are giving motorists a real incentive to become environmentally friendly without having to sacrifice their cars,” said Sophie Neary, product director at BeatThatQuote.com. Neary also added some words of warning, however: “Some drivers may be spending more than they need to on car insurance – for example, opting for third party, fire and theft cover when a fully comprehensive policy can be cheaper. It is great to look at insurance incentives that suit your way of life, but be sure to remember your premium costs and to continue to compare policies carefully for the best deal.” Quite simply, eco-friendly policies may be good for the heart and the head, but don’t let a passion for the environment stop you from seeing the bigger picture in getting the best deal you possibly can for whatever car you decide to drive.

By: Caroline Poynton

About the Author:

Scientists have spoken: Mankind is destroying the planet. It seems simple enough to cut carbon emissions while we are at home, but what about vacations or business trips? You can be kind to the environment even while you travel.

Here are some tips that will steer you in the right direction.

Plan and Prepare Well in Advance of Your Travel Dates

Forego paper tickets and book electronically via telephone or online. You will save paper (and time).

Discontinue the newspaper while you are gone or have it delivered to the local library or doctor’s office instead.

Before setting out on your trip, reduce the heat on the hot water tank, lower the thermostat, and unplug all electronics (like cable boxes, cordless telephones, and DVD players).

Vehicles Have a Huge Impact on the Environment

If possible, try to use public transportation or airport shuttles. Rent a vehicle only as a last resort.

If a rental is your only option, try to reserve a compact vehicle that will be easy on gas. Some rental agencies even provide electric cars or hybrids.

Before you head out, check tire pressures. Underinflated tires cause increased gas consumption.

Instead of using the air conditioner, open a car window when feasible.

Drive conservatively. Save fuel with a light foot on the accelerator while staying well within the speed limit.

Avoid idling your vehicle. If it will be sitting for more than 60 seconds while you load luggage or run an errand, switch off the ignition.

Participate in bus, train, or walking tours when available.

See if you can find a bike rental and get out in the fresh air.

Hotel or Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

Book lodging that is centrally located to your intended activities.

Make a point of reserving rooms in an establishment that promotes eco-friendly practices. Be sure to ask the innkeeper or booking clerk what they are doing to protect the environment.

Leave a note for the maid. Tell her that you want to use hotel towels for a couple of days before sending them to be laundered.

Don’t turn on the radio or TV unless you are really paying attention to it.

Leaving the room? Turn down the heat and/or air conditioning and make sure that the coffee maker, iron, TV, and other electrical devices are switched off.

If your hotel or inn has an elevator, ignore it and use the stairs instead. Your body will thank you for the exercise, and you will be doing your share to conserve electricity.

More Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Never use regular alkaline batteries. Instead, pack enough rechargeables to get you through a complete day, along with a battery charger. You might also want to investigate the purchase of a solar charger.

If you must recharge your cell phone, game console, or laptop, don’t leave it charging overnight. Start early enough in the day or evening so that you can monitor the progress and shut down the device when it is up to 100%.

Instead of working out on a motorized stair climber or treadmill in the hotel gym, put on your walking shoes and go for a jog or walk in the fresh air.

Disposable or regular film cameras are not environmentally-friendly. Invest in a digital instead. Prices are becoming more reasonable every day and the capabilities are rapidly improving.

Avoid individually-wrapped hand cleaner packets, disposable razors, and other one-use items. Stick with smaller-sized reusable and/or refillable products.

An all-in-one cleaner can take the place of shampoo, laundry detergent, and hand cleaner. It will save room (and weight) in your luggage.

Speaking of weight in your luggage: pack light. It will conserve gas on your way to the airport, and will result in fuel savings for all other types of transport while you travel.

Avoid buying coffee or snacks in disposable containers. Pack your own mug – and if you want coffee to go, ask the restaurant or snack bar to fill it for you.

Be a good eco-citizen and pick up any trash you discover while you travel.

These tips are just a beginning. Be eco-conscious in everything you do, and you will find other ways to help save our beautiful planet.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

By: Kathy Steinemann