Posts filed under ‘Energy’
Drive down your gas costs this Memorial Day weekend
Did you know that your GPS device and certain smartphone apps can give you real-time gas mileage tips, and point you to the cheapest nearby gas station? How about the fact that every extra pound of luggage decreases your fuel economy, as does driving faster than 60 miles per hour? Learn these gas-saving secrets and more from this video, as well as six other videos on fuel efficiency from the Alliance to Save Energy.
Here are a few more tips:
- Avoid aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and rapid braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.
- Avoid excessive idling. Idling can waste a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. But it only takes a few seconds’ worth of fuel to restart your engine, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
- Beat the traffic. When possible, drive during off-peak hours to avoid stop-and-go or bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions, thereby reducing gas costs, time and stress.
- Keep tires inflated. Properly inflated tires can improve mileage by up to 3.3%. Conversely, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1 psi drop in pressure in all four tires. In addition, proper inflation improves tire longevity and driving safety. Find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, in the glove box, and/or in your owner’s manual.
This chart shows how much you can save from each fuel efficiency tip. These suggestions can also improve your driving, increase the life of your tires, and help you beat traffic.
|
FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS |
MPG INCREASE | ANNUAL SAVINGS |
| Smart Driving | ||
| Avoid aggressive driving | up to 33% | $981 |
| Drive safe (highway) | up to 10% | $218 |
| Lose 100 pounds from trunk | up to 2% | $40 |
| Car Maintenance | ||
| Tune up vehicle | up to 4% | $82 |
| Fix oxygen sensor | up to 40% | $1,308 |
| Keep tires inflated | up to 3% | $61 |
| Use recommended oil | up to 2% | $40 |
| Fuel Efficient Car | Switching from 20 MPG to 30 MPG vehicle |
$930 in fuel costs* |
| The MPG increases and dollar savings are estimated for each tip based on data from 2011 Transportation Energy Data Book and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) assuming vehicle fuel economy as 21.2MPG, average national gas price as $3.69/gallon, and annual 11,300 miles of travel. Actual results depend on how well you already follow these practices, whether you use more than one tip at a time, and other factors. *Sources: Alliance to Save Energy research and Department of Energy |
||
May 24, 2012 Miriam Berg Leave a comment
Expanding solar power in Massachusetts
Solar panels on the Walmart in Foothill Ranch, California
Solar power is one of several steps we’re taking toward our big goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy. Earlier this year, we had 115 rooftop solar installations in seven countries. And yesterday, the Boston Globe reported that Walmart will install solar panels on top of 27 Massachusetts stores. That’s enough to power 2,600 homes, according to the story, which you can read here.
May 16, 2012 Walmart Green Room 1 comment
Burning energy for the better
Before there were smart cars, there were bicycles. And aside from walking, riding a bike is still one of the most energy-efficient ways to get anywhere.
With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to hop on a different set of wheels. Not only is May National Bike Month, but May 18 is Bike to Work Day. Today, Walmart started a bike sharing program at its corporate headquarters, providing 80 bicycles for associates to check out for free during their time at the office.
In addition to its environmental benefits, bicycling is a fun way to get active. Here’s a look at a few more facts.
May 14, 2012 Walmart Green Room Leave a comment
Building a renewable energy strategy, one block at a time
Marty Gilbert walks along an installation of ground-based solar panels.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. The schedule at our house revolves around our two boys – Jake, 14, and Harrison, 10. In the last three years, as I’ve gotten more deeply involved in helping Walmart find ways to use renewable energy, I’ve been more aware of how what I do at work can help contribute to a better world for Jake and Harrison for years to come. Continue reading
April 13, 2012 Marty Gilbert 1 comment
How we brought solar to cold, snowy areas
Walmart is testing renewable energy technologies in a variety of locations and geographies, and when we find something that works – like solar – we go big with it. Our solar program began in warmer climates, including California and Hawaii, and then expanded into Arizona, Puerto Rico and even Louisiana. Continue reading
April 12, 2012 David Ozment 2 comments
Is Walmart more hype than reality?
Solar panels on a Walmart in Marina, Calif.
Michelle Mauthe Harvey of the Environmental Defense Fund tackles a good subject today in GreenBiz. Are we at Walmart meeting our sustainability goals, or are we guilty of actually hyping empty efforts? Continue reading
March 30, 2012 Walmart Green Room Leave a comment
Lighting the way with LED
This Neighborhood Market in Wichita, Kan., is illuminated almost entirely by LED.
Drop in to our new stores in Wichita, Kan., and you can be part of our experiment. In October, we opened two Neighborhood Markets that were identical – except that one is lighted almost entirely by LED. Continue reading
March 28, 2012 Ralph Williams 3 comments
