What You Can Do to Reduce Pollution from Vehicles and Engines | US EPA (2024)

On this page:

• Drive less
• Drive wise
• Choose fuel efficient vehicles
• Don’t idle
• Optimize home deliveries
• Use efficient lawn and gardening equipment

Drive Less

Fewer miles driven means fewer emissions.

Follow these tips to reduce the time you spend driving:

1. Walk or bike when you can.
2. Use the bike-share programs if your city or town has them.
3. Take public transit when possible.
4. Carpool with friends instead of driving alone.
5. Use ride-sharing services.
6. Plan ahead to make the most of your trips and “trip chain.” If your grocery store is near other places you need to visit, do it all at once.
7. Work from home periodically if your job allows it.

Drive Wise

The way we drive can reduce emissions from our vehicles.

Follow these tips to effectively reduce emissions, drive more safely, and save money on fuel costs all at the same time:

1. Drive efficiently – go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.
2. Maintain your car – get regular tune-ups, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and use the recommended motor oil.

Learn more:

• Driving more efficiently

Choose Fuel Efficient Vehicles

When shopping for a new car, look for fuel efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars can help the environment while potentially saving you money on fuel costs at the pump. Follow these tips:

1. Use EPA's Green Vehicle Guide to learn about vehicles that are more efficient and less polluting, including:

• Electric vehicles;
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; and
• Cleaner burning gasoline vehicles.

2. Use the EPA's Fuel Economy and Environment Label to compare different vehicle models and find the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle that meets your needs. This information is also available on the joint DOE and EPA website fuel economy.gov.

Learn more:

• Green Vehicle Guide
• Fuel economy and environment label
• Fueleconomy.gov

Don’t Idle

Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and school buses pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require “warming up” in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive.

Reducing idling from diesel school busesprevents children from being exposed to diesel exhaust, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and saves money on fuel. EPA's Clean School Bus Programincludes information and resources that can help you reduce school bus idling in your community.

Learn more:

• Clean school bus: Idle reduction

Optimize Home Deliveries

When getting home deliveries or shopping online, consider asking to have all your packages sent in one shipment and with minimal packaging. For scheduled home deliveries, try to be flexible by choosing longer time windows so delivery trucks can optimize their routes and avoid extra trips.

Learn more:

• What if more people bought groceries online instead of driving to a store?

Use Efficient Lawn and Gardening Equipment

Gas-powered engines in lawn and garden equipment emit significant amounts of pollutants.

Follow these tips to reduce the impact of your landscaping:

1. Use a manual (reel) mower for small lawns.
2. When shopping for mowers and garden equipment, look for new technologies such as electric and battery-powered machines that are quieter and pollute less than gas-powered ones.
3. Properly maintain lawn and garden equipment - tune mowers and change the oil as needed.
4. If you are purchasing commercial grade landscaping machinery,a number of products are now available with advanced emissions reduction technologies including catalysts and electronic fuel injection that result in significantly less pollution.