Think before you drive

Walking is not only good for you; it helps the environment as well. However, we all need to use transport – to get to work, to visit family or friends, to travel – so it's important we make the right choices to help save CO₂ emissions.

Transport is responsible for around a quarter of all EU greenhouse gas emissions. And did you know that over half of the CO₂ emissions from EU households come from people’s transport activities, such as driving to work or taking a plane to go on holiday?

• Leave your car at home. Each litre of fuel burned in a car engine releases more than 2 kg of CO₂. This means that for an average car, one tank of fuel releases more than 100 kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere!
• Cycling, public transport, car-pooling and car sharing services are all good alternative ways to get around. Of course, walking is the greenest mode of transport!
• Take the train. One person travelling alone by car produces 3 times more CO₂ emissions per kilometre than if they travelled by train.
• Explore alternatives to flying. Flying is the fastest-growing source of CO₂ emissions from transport. Consider taking the train if you are only travelling a few hundred kilometres or less.

• The way you drive has a big impact on the amount of fuel your car uses and how much CO₂ it emits. Avoiding unnecessary braking and accelerating and keeping your tyres well-inflated are simple ways to improve fuel efficiency.
• Remove your roof rack if not in use. An empty roof rack increases fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 10% due to aerodynamic drag.
• Buying a new car? Choose one with good fuel economy. All car manufacturers have to display the CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption of their cars in showrooms and advertisements in the EU.

• Consider 'offsetting' the CO₂emissions of your trip. Many travel companies and other organisations will calculate your emissions footprint and invest a corresponding amount into a renewable energy or environmental project, for example.
• Why not try eco-tourism? You can search the EU’s Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation Catalogue.