Here are just a few ways that you can improve your health and do your bit to protect the environment.
Best foot forward
Just nipping up the road? Why not walk instead of taking the car and save yourself some money.
On your bike
If it’s a nice day outside why not cycle to where you’re going. It’ll keep you fit, might be just as quick and you won't have to pay for a parking space.
It's a gas
It’s now possible to convert most cars so they run on gas as well as petrol. Liquified Petroleum Gas, or LPG, gives off fewer harmful fumes than petrol or diesel. This means your car is more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run.
Find out more about alternative transport fuels by visiting the site of PowerShift. This site can also tell you the location of your nearest LPG station.
Take it easy
You’ll get more miles for your money by not revving the motor, speeding or braking sharply and by having your car regularly serviced.
Up on the roof
If you use a roof rack to carry luggage don't forget to take it off afterwards, as the weight of it uses up a lot of fuel.
Give it the boot
Driving around with a boot full of junk weighs you down and uses more fuel, making your car's impact on the environment even greater. You should also check your tyres regularly as under inflated tyres also use more fuel, as well as giving you less control of the car.
Work it out
If you and your workmates share the drive to work then you could half the impact on the environment. Why not find out if your work has a car share scheme, or if anyone else makes a similar journey to you. The other option is a park and ride. There are lots of park and ride schemes throughout Scotland and many train stations offer parking on site or close by.
Buying a new car
If you’re getting a new car, check how environmentally friendly it is to save yourself some money. Cars registered on or after 1st March 2001 that have carbon dioxide emissions of less than 120g per kilometre attract the lowest rate of road tax.
Pollution Facts
- Did you know that the shortest journeys, those under 2 miles, cause the most pollution?
- Cars help to produce around 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK today.
- Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change.
Oil changes
Oil and water really don't mix. Every year lots of people get rid of their old oil in our waterways, which causes hundreds of plants and wildlife to die. If you’re changing your car oil please make sure you dispose of the old oil responsibly. | 
