Do Your Part by maximizing your fuel efficiency no matter what you drive. Using less gas means fewer emissions and that’s better for your wallet and the planet. Here are my top five ways of getting the most out of every gallon:

First up, don’t drive aggressively. Speeding up and slamming on your brakes can reduce fuel mileage by as much as 33 percent!

Tip number two – keep those tires properly inflated. It’s easy. Proper tire pressure levels can be found right on the tire. When they’re at the right level you can save you up to 8 cents every gallon.

Also important – clean out your car! The weight of sports equipment or an unused stroller can add up. Every 100 pounds of extra weight will cost you about two percent in fuel costs.

Cruise control comes in at number four. It will help conserve gas on flat terrain. If you’re driving through hilly areas…it’s best to switch back to foot control.

And my fifth and final tip – don’t delay routine maintenance. When do things like change your oil when necessary, your car won’t have to work as hard which saves you gas and money.

These are all easy ways you can Do Your Part to conserve gas and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.

Source: Do Your Part

Also read Does it make sense to buy a hybrid car? and The 12 most fuel-efficient new cars.

If you live in South Africa and need environmentally friendly water conservation and solar energy solutions, contact us for a free quote.  Our WWF award winning water systems include, rainwater harvesting systems, grey water irrigation systems, grey water recycling systems, swimming pool backwash recycling systems, toilet flush mechanisms and other water-saving devices (see product demo).

We are also authorized South African JoJo Water Tanks dealers and offer the full range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo tank stands. Yes Solar offers high quality solar water heaters to reduce your electricity bills by up to 40%.  Offset your carbon footprint by switching to green insurance cover, now available in South Africa! Build green and use eco-friendly, sustainable bamboo products.

The electric Defender game-viewer concept vehicle combines the iconic Defender’s peerless reputation for off-road ability with a cutting-edge, all-electric drive system – thus making it a truly ‘green’ vehicle with zero exhaust emissions.

The pioneering project has been announced by Land Rover South Africa, and has been developed by local Land Rover specialist Barker Performance Products with technical support from Land Rover product development specialists.

“The Electric Game Viewer Concept is the perfect synergy of the Defender’s outstanding reputation as the definitive game viewing vehicle, as well as our drive to reduce emissions,” said Kevin Flynn, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa. “The all-electric game viewer concept, has zero tailpipe emissions, thus offering a clean and silent operation, and reducing the impact on the highly sensitive environment in which these vehicles operate.”

Land Rover came up with idea after Londolozi, one of South Africa’s top game parks, expressed an interest in an eco-friendly game viewing vehicle that could also hold its own off-road.

Land Rover selected Axeon, Europe’s leading independent developer and manufacturer of battery systems, to supply the lithium ion battery unit in the concept Defender. The electric motor produces 59 kW of power, with a regenerative capacity of 10 kW. This is linked to an impressive 330 Nm of instantaneous torque, which complements the Defender’s standard permanent four-wheel drive system with differential lock. It can go 80 km on a single charge, with an additional 20 km reserve, the equivalent of an eight-hour game drive. It can be charged from a convention plug point or a solar charging unit.”

Source: Autodealer Lowveld June 7-10, 2011

Ideally, these electric Land Rovers should be re-charged using renewable energy such as solar energy.  Many game parks and game reserves in Africa showcase a pristine environment for game viewing but neglect other areas such as waste water management, sewage disposal, water conservation and energy conservation.  The electric Defender game viewer is positive step towards more eco-friendly game viewing.  Game lodges should incorporate water conservation systems such as rainwater harvesting.  Many lodges have thatched roofs making them unsuitable for rainwater collection but perhaps the game viewer parking bay roofs (usually corrugated iron- ideal for rainwater harvesting) should be utilized for collecting rainwater. Or, the parking bay roofs would also be ideal for mounting an array of solar panels to charge the electric Land Rover below it.

If you live in South Africa and need environmentally friendly water conservation and solar energy solutions, contact us for a free quote.  Our WWF award winning water systems include, rainwater harvesting systems, grey water irrigation systems, grey water recycling systems, swimming pool backwash recycling systems, toilet flush mechanisms and other water-saving devices (see product demo).

We are also authorized South African JoJo Water Tanks dealers and offer the full range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo tank stands. Yes Solar offers high quality solar water heaters to reduce your electricity bills by up to 40%.  Offset your carbon footprint by switching to green insurance cover, now available in South Africa! Build green and use eco-friendly bamboo products.

It requires a great deal of energy, namely fossil fuels, to power the world’s modes of transportation. Most of us realize that the pollution created by our vehicles damage the environment and cause health problems. Promising new technologies may be the cure, but for now, the world’s population can help out by using the most environmentally-friendly modes of transportation available.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles include:

• Cars
• Trains
• Lorries
• Boats
• Motorcycles
• Scooters

Electric vehicles that are fully powered by electricity don’t give off emissions, although emissions may be produced by the power plants producing the electricity. However, the power can come from clean and/or renewable sources such as hydroelectric, geothermal, wind turbines, or solar power.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars rely on electricity as well as fuel engines. Most hybrids recharge the batteries automatically by converting energy during braking. Emissions from hybrid cars can be 25 percent to 90 percent lower than a standard car. The Green Car Club reports that hybrids reduce health threatening tailpipe emissions by 90 percent. The Club also states that hybrid vehicles do contribute to greenhouse emissions, but at a reduced rate. However, hybrids aren’t perfect. There is concern about the environmental impact of the batteries. The caustic substances powering the batteries must be disposed of properly.

Green Trains

With the federal government’s increased support of the alternative energy field, trains may get greener with hybrid locomotives and other advanced technologies. The new hybrid locomotives use the same technologies utilized in hybrid cars.

Electric trains use either overhead lines, an electrified third rail, or an energy storing device such as a battery or a fuel cell. How fast can they go? France’s double-deck TGV’s electric train operates at speeds of 200 mph or higher.

The Mercedes-Benz Ciatro G BlueTec Hybrid Bus

The buses use four electrical wheel hub motors along with one of the world’s largest automotive lithium-ion batteries. The battery stores energy produced by a diesel generator and also the energy recovered during breaking.

The Mercedes-Benz Ciatro G BlueTec Hybrid Bus lowers diesel consumption, which was already low for Mercedes-Benz hybrid buses, by up to 30 percent, while also lowering CO2 emissions. The Ciatro G BlueTec Hybrid Bus cover sections of its route using only electrical power.

Bicycle

Of course, biking instead of driving greatly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. A good, comfortable hybrid bicycle purchased at a bicycle store costs from $300 to $600. You can purchase a bicycle for about $100 at a big box store.

Electric Bike

After you begin pedaling, turn the throttle to get a boost. Only light pedaling is required. U.S. law limits the speed of electric bikes at 20 mph, so in most states you’re not required to obtain a special license, registration, or insurance.

Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles don’t produce pollution — they’re powered by batteries. However, pollution may be created by the production of the grid power used to charge the batteries.

The average electric motorcycle costs a little under $7000. Some electric motorcycles such as the Brammo Enertia have many components made from recycled materials. The Enertia Plus Electric Motorcycle, made by Brammo, gets 80+ miles per charge in urban commuting.

Several prototypes use fuel cell technology. Perhaps one day these motorcycles will be mass produced.

It’s not an easy task convincing the world’s population to change their “mobility behavior” towards environmentally-friendly modes; however, slow progress is being made.

Source: The Greenists

Also read Does it make sense to buy a hybrid car? and 12 myths about electric vehicles.  Not in the market for a new ‘green’ vehicle?  See Green Driving Tips and How to hypermile and drive green.  You don’t necessarily need a green car to drive green, see How to green your car.

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems Mpumalanga offers water tank and rainwater tank installation, rainwater harvesting systems (see rainwater FAQ), grey water recycling  (see greywater FAQ) and water-saving devices for swimming pools and toilet flush systems (see product demo ).  Our WWF Award-winning water systems can be retrofitted or built into new buildings and can be adapted to small households or large business blocks, hospitals, schools, lodges & hotels.

Water Rhapsody has incorporated Yes Solar- official distributor of high quality solar water heating systems that are installed by Eskom-accredited solar installers (our solar geysers are eligible for Eskom solar energy rebates).  We are authorized JoJo Water Tank dealers and Atlas Plastics water tank suppliers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province (best water tank prices in the Lowveld!).  We are also able to supply sanitary hardware such as waterless toilets through our JoJo Tanks and Atlas Plastics dealerships.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE on a solar water geyser, water tank or rainwater/gray water system.  South Africa now has eco-friendly insurance- another way to go green, switch to green insurance cover and reduce your carbon footprint today!  Building or renovating?  Consider using environmentally friendly bamboo products.

To simplify complex technology, automakers and engineers use a variety of specialized terminology and acronyms when discussing today’s environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Regenerative Braking — while braking, a vehicle loses all or most of the forward motion (kinetic energy) that has been created during acceleration. To capture as much of this lost energy as possible, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilize regenerative braking to convert this kinetic energy into electricity. The process, which uses the vehicle’s electric motor as a generator to push electricity back into the storage battery, is completely automatic. As an added benefit, with less energy being converted directly into frictional heat in the vehicle’s brakes (as it is with conventional vehicles), there is less wear on brake pads and other braking components.

Start-Stop Technology — to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, start-stop technology electronically shuts down an internal combustion engine (ICE) while a vehicle is stopped. Completely automatic in operation, vehicle accessories (e.g., headlights, air conditioning, and audio system) and safety systems remain powered by the battery while the engine is off. When the driver lifts their foot of the brake pedal, the engine restarts immediately to reduce any unnecessary delay in the engine’s operation.

Green Vehicle — a term commonly used to describe a passenger vehicle that produces reduced emissions when compared to a traditional internal combustion vehicle (ICE). Green vehicles include those which utilize hybrid technology, electric technology, or alternative fuels for propulsion.

Hybrid — A hybrid vehicle uses a combination of power sources to drive the wheels. Most hybrids today use an internal combustion engine (ICE), burning gasoline or diesel fuel, and an electric boost motor powered by batteries. Hybrid vehicles encompass a wide variety of green transportation including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and extended-range electric vehicles (ER-EVs).

ICE — an “Internal Combustion Engine” burns fuel within a contained combustion chamber. Most ICEs burn gasoline or diesel fuel to produce power, but others use natural gas, ethanol, or even used cooking oil. A small battery is used to start the ICE, but that battery is not able to propel the vehicle’s wheels. More than 99.9 percent of all vehicles on the road today use ICE powerplants. (An example of a vehicle with an ICE is the Toyota Corolla.)

BEV — a “Battery Electric Vehicle” does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). Instead, the vehicle is propelled by one or more electric motors that are powered by electricity from the vehicle’s batteries. As a BEV has no way of replenishing its own power (other than a limited amount from regenerative braking), so the vehicle must be plugged into an electrical source when the batteries are low or depleted. A typical BEV has a range of 100 to 250 miles before its batteries are depleted. (An example of a BEV is the Nissan Leaf.)

ER-EV — an “Extended-Range Electric Vehicle” is designed to overcome the battery-limited range on BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). Like the BEV, the ER-EV has a battery pack that sends electricity to motors that drive the wheels. However, when the batteries are low, an on-board internal combustion engine (ICE) will run to charge the batteries (the ICE does not send power directly to the drive wheels). Like a BEV, the ER-EV stores enough electricity to deliver a range of 100-250 before its batteries are depleted. (An example of an ER-EV is the Chevrolet Volt.)

Hydrogen Vehicle — a hydrogen vehicle burns flammable hydrogen gas within the engine. Combustion takes place within the cylinders of a modified, gasoline-burning power plant called a “bivalent” engine (defined as an engine which can use two fuel types). The hydrogen fuel is stored in liquid form (in heavily insulated on-board tanks that must be kept colder than -423°F) until it is needed by the engine. Unfortunately, hydrogen gas doesn’t contain as much energy density as gasoline, so fuel economy is lower when the vehicle is running on clean hydrogen power. However, a vehicle may extend its range by reverting back to burning gasoline. (An example of an FCEV is the BMW Hydrogen 7.)

FCEV — a “Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle” consumes hydrogen gas as a fuel, but not in the same manner as a “Hydrogen Vehicle.” Instead of burning the flammable hydrogen in a combustion chamber, the hydrogen gas, stored in on-board tanks at room temperature, is fed into a fuel cell. The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen (pulled from the atmosphere) in a chemical process that produces electricity. The electricity is used to power one or more electric motors to propel the vehicle. While not required for operation, most FCEVs are also equipped with a regenerative braking system and a small battery pack. This allows the vehicle to store a small amount of electricity to run at lower speeds in electric-only mode, mimicking an EV. (An example of an FCEV is the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell.)

HEV — A “Hybrid Electric Vehicle” has an internal combustion engine (ICE), a battery pack (nickel metal hydride or lithium ion) to store electricity, and one or more electric motors to propel the vehicle. The ICE typically burns gasoline (often called a “gasoline hybrid-electric vehicle”) or diesel (“diesel hybrid-electric vehicle”) for fuel. The battery packs are recharged by the ICE, or through regenerative braking from the wheels. An HEV may travel limited distances, at slow speeds, under electric power alone. However, the ICE will assist the battery packs in powering the vehicle under significant load conditions, such as during heavy acceleration or climbing a hill. (An example of an HEV is the Toyota Prius.)

PHEV — A “Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle” is similar to a hybrid vehicle, meaning it has an internal combustion engine, a battery pack, and one or more electric motors to propel the vehicle. However, while a HEV must rely on its combustion engine (or regenerative braking) to replenish its battery packs, a PHEV may also be plugged into an external electricity source to charge the batteries. Most PHEV vehicles are able to travel on electric power alone for 10-30 miles before the internal combustion engine (ICE) must be used. (An example of a PHEV is the Chevrolet Volt.)

Source: JDPower.com

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems and Yes Solar Mpumalanga offer eco-friendly rainwater collection systems, rainwater tanks, grey water recycling, swimming pool backwash recycling, water-saving toilet flush mechanisms and high quality Solsquare solar water geysers.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE on a solar water heater, rainwater harvesting system (see rainwater FAQ), gray water recycling system or water tank (we are authorized South African JoJo Water Tanks dealers and supply the full range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo tank stands).  Our water tank prices are hard to beat in the Mpumalanga & Limpopo Lowveld.

Water conservation and renewable energy such as solar energy are two issues that affect the global community; make a difference and start conserving water and switch to renewable energy today.  Another way of reducing your carbon footprint is to switch to green insurance, now available in South Africa.

South African motorists are in for a rough and expensive ride as petrol prices are set to breach the R10/l mark on May 4 this year, last seen in mid-2008.

South Africa’s Department of Energy announced on Thursday that petrol pump prices for all grades of petrol in the main inland commercial region would increase by 29c a litre, or 2,9%, rising from R9,96/l to R10,25/l.

Economists’ Mike Schussler told Engineering News Online that there was still a better possibility for prices to increase further, rather than coming down, on the back of a wave of political uncertainties.

Geopolitical tensions around the globe, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, has seen oil prices surpassing $100/bl in recent months.

Schussler added that fears around such unrest spreading to the major oil producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, and others in the Persian Gulf area, which produce 50% of the world’s oil, were currently driving oil prices even higher.

South Africa is a net importer of oil and adjusts its fuel price each month to account for changes in the rand exchange rate, the international oil price and government levies. The department noted that all the average international oil-based product prices had increased, while the average rand/dollar exchange rate also strengthened from R6,77 a dollar to R6,95 a dollar during the past month, forcing government to further increase prices.

In addition, motorists using the Gauteng highways could see toll fees as high as 66 c/km, coming into play in June this year.

Source: Engineering News (Loni Prinsloo)

This is bad news for most people’s bank accounts (except, of course, for the government and fuel retailers- they still make the same profit).  However, it may be good news for the environment.  The financial pressure forces us to conserve fuel and think twice about taking unnecessary trips in cars.  It may also be good news for our health- perhaps we will walk or cycle more?  Take the sting out of the fuel price hikes by thinking about how our health and the environment will benefit as well as reading these green driving tips:

Green driving tips (beat the fuel price hikes!)

How to Green Your Car

How to Hypermile and Drive Green

Green Driving Tips

Driving is expensive and insurance premiums add to the expense; why not switch to green car insurance- you may get a better deal and you’ll be helping the environment.

It takes eight to 10 trees to offset the CO2 emitted from a medium-sized petrol vehicle doing around 25 000kms a year. It also takes 16 trees to supply the oxygen a person breathes in a lifetime.

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems and Yes Solar Mpumalanga offer eco-friendly rainwater collection systems, rainwater tanks, grey water recycling, swimming pool backwash recycling, water-saving toilet flush mechanisms and high quality Solsquare solar water geysers.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE on a solar water heater, rainwater harvesting system (see rainwater FAQ), gray water recycling system or water tank (we are authorized South African JoJo Water Tanks dealers and supply the full range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo tank stands).  Our water tank prices are hard to beat in the Mpumalanga & Limpopo Lowveld.

Water conservation and renewable energy such as solar energy are two issues that affect the global community; make a difference and start conserving water and switch to renewable energy today.  Another way of reducing your carbon footprint is to switch to green insurance, now available in South Africa.

Ever wondered if it really makes sense to buy a hybrid car?

If you’re frustrated with the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption, as well as paying nearly $4 a gallon at the gas pump, you may want to consider buying a hybrid electric vehicle.

What is a Hybrid?

Hybrids, like Toyota’s popular Prius model, use a combination of a small, gas-powered internal combustion engine and electric motors to power the drivetrain. Electricity is stored in your car’s batteries. A typical car has one battery, to act as a starter and power electric features in your car, such as power windows or locks. A hybrid might have an array of batteries, which do all those things, but also powers the drivetrain itself. The Prius, like many hybrids, has an acceleration and speed threshold where the battery itself can power your car, up to a certain point. When your battery power is spent, or if the car needs to accelerate faster than the battery can handle by itself, the gas engine is fired up and does the work. Many hybrids also feature regenerative braking. This means that the force of your brakes is harnessed by small generators that give your battery a small charge. Your gas engine is also used as a generator to recharge your battery.

Why Get a Hybrid Car? The Advantages:

According to this U.S. Department of Energy guide, the benefits of hybrids can be summarized as follows:

• Use less fuel, get better mileage, cost less to run
• Provide a quieter, better-quality ride
• Have more efficient engines
• Emit fewer pollutants
• Emit fewer greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming
• Reduce our dependence on foreign oil and enhance national security

Hybrids offer drastically lower emissions (about 70% less) than gas-powered cars and, since they use electric power, increased gas mileage. Hybrids tend to be more aerodynamic, and are engineered for less drag resistance. Drag increases the amount of work your engine has to do in order to move your car.

Tax incentives are also being offered for the new plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and electric cars. The tax incentives that offered rebates for non-plug-in hybrids have expired. As it stands now, consumers can get anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500 in federal rebates, for PHEVs, depending on the size of the car’s battery. The larger the battery, the more money refunded. For those who convert a gas-powered car into a PHEV will receive 10 per cent of the conversion cost back, with the maximum threshold being $4,000 for a $40,000 conversion, as part of President Obama’s stimulus bill. Lawmakers kept one Bush-era tax credit for buying and installing home charging equipment, with a maximum allotment of $1,000 for individuals and $30,000 for businesses. A run-down of state-by-state incentives can be found on Plugincars.com and an extensive database of incentives can be found on the Department of Energy’s website.

Since hybrids feature more complex and numerous parts and systems than a regular car, manufacturers are offering strong guarantees. Check for individual automakers’ warranties, as technologies and offers are subject to change.

It’s also possible to make back the extra cost of a hybrid vehicle in tax savings. The Honda CR-Z, which runs on gas, has a fuel efficiency of 39 mpg highway and 35 mpg in the city. It retails at $19,200. The Prius, which costs $2,100 more gets 48 mpg highway and 51 mpg in the city, offering a considerable annual savings in gas. The DOE has a MPG calculator that helps you estimate your gas savings over time between two vehicles.

Also, let’s not minimize the satisfaction of doing what’s right for the environment. Exercising your conscience can be much more invigorating than saving money.

Disadvantages of Hybrids

The biggest hurdle to wider acceptance of hybrids is cost. New technologies, when first put to market, can be prohibitively expensive for the average consumer. While the technology to produce hybrids has been around for decades, battery innovation has been slowed because car companies were content to build cars that ran on a cheap, relatively plentiful power source: gasoline. With consumers starting to wake up to the dangers of mass gas consumption, which includes increased air pollution and exacerbating climate change, car companies are responding to consumer demand to make energy-efficient vehicles.

But we’re not quite there, yet. One option you may want to consider is buying a used hybrid vehicle. However, the tried-and-true indicators for “kicking the tires” of a prospective used car are a little different when it comes to hybrids. Things you should consider include wear and tear on equipment. It’s one thing to replace a timing belt or muffler. It’s another thing entirely to replace rare, costly components like batteries. See our article here on Used Hybrid Vehicles.

Overall, hybrids are a great choice to help the environment, and they save money. Although tax incentives are changing, prices will come down as hybrids become more prevalent. It can be hard to open your wallet wide to support technological change, but just keep thinking about how much less you’ll be paying at the pump.

Source: Practical Environmentalist

Hybrid vehicles and especially the new plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and electric cars, are even more eco-friendly if the electricity used to charge the batteries is generated by renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind power.  South Africa does not (yet?) have rebates for EV’s and hybrid vehicles and the cost still makes people think twice about buying them.  You don’t necessarily need a ‘green car’ to drive green- see Green Driving Tips as well as The 12 most affordable fuel-efficient new cars.  If you aren’t in the market for a new car just yet, make sure your existing car is as environmentally friendly as possible- read How to green your car.  With fuel prices skyrocketing, it pays, in more ways than one to ‘drive green’.

Contact us for all your water conservation and solar energy requirements.  Our WWF Award Winning water conservation systems include rainwater harvesting systems, rainwater tanks, grey water recycling systems, greywater irrigation systems, water-saving toilet flush mechanisms, swimming pool backwash recycling systems (see product demo) as well as the full range of JoJo water tanks and water tank stands (we are authorized JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa). Yes Solar Mpumalanga supplies SABS and Eskom-approved solar water heaters that are installed professional Eskom-accredited solar installers.  We supply FREE QUOTES on all our eco-friendly products and services.

Environmentally friendly car parts such as those made with mushrooms, and vegetable matter, can save huge quantities of energy, fuel and water.  As green technology progresses, so will we have the opportunity to choose eco-friendly and sustainable products that in many cases, will be less costly too.

If you live in South Africa and need environmentally friendly water conservation and solar energy solutions, contact us for a free quote.  Our WWF award winning water systems include, rainwater harvesting systems, grey water irrigation systems, grey water recycling systems, swimming pool backwash recycling systems, toilet flush mechanisms and other water-saving devices (see product demo).

We are also authorized South African JoJo Water Tanks dealers and offer the full range of JoJo water tanks and JoJo tank stands. Yes Solar offers high quality solar water heaters to reduce your electricity bills by up to 40%.  Offset your carbon footprint by switching to green insurance cover, now available in South Africa!

Forget the buzz about hybrid and electric cars. For the budget conscious, these are your best buy new cars.
These 12 models each get 30 mpg or better, and cost less than $17,500 – including the cost of a year’s worth of fuel.

1 of 12

2011 Hyundai Accent

Cost: $9,985
Fuel economy: 30 mpg
Annual fuel cost: $1,479
Total first-year cost: $11,464

The most affordable car for the first year of ownership thanks to its under-$10,000 MSRP, the Hyundai Accent gets a respectable 30 mpg. Compared to a 20 mpg car, a 30 mpg car will save the average driver $888 a year, based on gas prices of $3.52 per gallon.

Note: Costs in this feature are based on MSRP. Fuel cost estimates are from fueleconomy.gov, a site run by the EPA and Department of Energy.

2 of 12

Source: The Daily Green

With oil price skyrocketing (over $120/barrel today), the recent and imminent fuel price hikes, if you are in the market for a new car (that’s affordable), the aforementioned makes and models deserve some consideration.  South Africans will recognize some of the above cars too.  South Africa could possibly see petrol at R15/litre in the coming months- an incentive to drive green (see Top 10 ten ways to use less fuel)  and/or purchase fuel efficient cars.

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems Mpumalanga offers water tank and rainwater tank installation, rainwater harvesting systems (see rainwater FAQ), grey water recycling  (see greywater FAQ) and water-saving devices for swimming pools and toilet flush systems (see product demo ).  Our WWF Award-winning water systems can be retrofitted or built into new buildings and can be adapted to small households or large business blocks, hospitals, schools, lodges & hotels.

Water Rhapsody has incorporated Yes Solar- official distributor of German-made Solsquare solar water heating systems that are installed by Eskom-accredited solar installers (our solar geysers are eligible for Eskom solar energy rebates).  We are authorized JoJo Water Tank dealers and Atlas Plastics water tank suppliers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province (best water tank prices in the Lowveld!).  We are also able to supply sanitary hardware such as waterless toilets through our JoJo Tanks and Atlas Plastics dealerships.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE on a solar water geyser, water tank or rainwater/gray water system.  South Africa now has eco-friendly insurance- another way to go green, switch to green insurance cover and reduce your carbon footprint today!

Here we go again: gasoline prices are soaring close to $4.00 a gallon, and several of the countries that export oil to the U.S. are in such political turmoil, we can’t be sure our supplies will continue. When, oh when, will we say, “Enough, Already!” and get serious about reducing our dependence on petroleum?

The problem isn’t just “foreign” oil. Using any kind of fossil fuel to meet our transportation needs is a losing proposition. Drilling for oil wrecks the planet, or have we already forgotten the Gulf Oil disaster? And burning oil generates climate-changing carbon dioxide and nasty particles that create asthma-inducing smog.

If you’re in the market for a new car, take a look at electric options like the Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf. Gas-electric hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius or Ford Fusion merit consideration, too. Aim to buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle in your price range; this site maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy, will help you compare your choices.

But most of us can’t just go out and buy a new set of wheels (unless they’re on a bicycle). These ten tips offer the fastest, easiest ways you can save gas and money, no matter what kind of car you drive.

1. Drive smart - Avoid quick starts and stops, use cruise control on the highway, and don’t idle.

2. Drive the speed limit - Remember – every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

3. Drive less - This should be a no-brainer. Walk, bicycle, use a scooter or moped, combine trips, and telecommute to work.

4. Drive a more fuel-efficient car - Consider one of the new hybrids; at the very least, choose from among the EPA’s “Fuel Economy Leaders” in the class vehicle you’re considering.

5. Keep your engine tuned up - Improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent by maintaining your vehicle in top condition.

6. Carpool - According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 32 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if every car carried just one more passenger on its daily commute.

7. Use mass transit and “Ride Share” programs - Why pay for gasoline at all?

8. Keep tires properly inflated - Improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Replace worn tires with the same make and model as the originals.

9. Buy the cheapest gas you can find - Buy gas in the morning, from wholesale shopper’s clubs, and using gas-company rebate cards. Track neighborhood prices on the Internet.

10. Support higher fuel-efficiency standards and the development of alternative fuels - Ultimately, our best hope for beating the gas crisis is to increase fuel efficiency while we transition to renewable and non-petroleum based fuels. Endorse efforts to boost average fuel efficiency to at least 40 mpg. Support programs that promote research and development of alternatives to transportation systems based on oil.

If you do want to get rid of an existing vehicle, here’s how you can recycle it.

Source: Big Green Purse

We have to accept that we are still dependent on fossil fuels and probably will be for some time before renewable, clean energy can replace them.  In the interim, we need to try to use less fossil fuel based energy by changing habits and switching to more efficient vehicles when possible. We can also offset our carbon emissions by purchasing  eco friendly insurance, now available in South Africa!

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems has incorporated Yes Solar Mpumalanga so that we can offer solar water heating systems to further reduce your environmental impact (water and energy are linked).  Yes Solar is a distributor for Solsquare Solar Solutions- high quality German-engineered solar energy systems that are competitively priced.  Solsquare solar geysers are SABS- and Eskom-approved and are fitted by qualified, Eskom-accredited solar installers.   Now is the time to install a solar geyser while the Eskom rebates last (this money will run out eventually) and before the looming energy crisis arrives.  Solar water geysers can reduce household electricity costs by up to 50%.

Water Rhapsody’s WWF AWARD-winning water conservation systems (see product demo) include rainwater harvesting systems, grey water recycling systems, swimming pool backwash recycling, water-saving toilet flushing mechanisms and rainwater tanks (we are authorized  JoJo Water Tanks & Atlas Plastics water tank dealers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo- best water tank prices in the Lowveld!).  Two new industrial water recycling products have been added to our water system lineup, read about the Poseidon Advantage & Poseidon 1500.

Our water and solar systems will save the environment while you save money on water and electricity bills; get free water and free water heating!

Contact us for a free quote on a solar geyser, water system, rain water tank or water tank.

Repairing the damage we’ve done could get pricey, especially since it’s predicted to cost us $8 trillion by 2030.

No one can tell you what kind of car to buy, but here’s a case for making your next vehicle one that uses the least possible amount of fossil fuel.

• The cost of impacts on the physical environment, health and food security could exceed $4 trillion.
• Climate change-related policy changes could increase the cost of carbon emissions by as much as $8 trillion.

These clean(er) rides most certainly can’t reverse climate change by themselves, but even so, they move us into the right direction because they offer us something our current situation doesn’t: choice.

Water Rhapsody Water Conservation Systems Mpumalanga offers water tank and rainwater tank installation, rainwater harvesting systems (see rainwater FAQ), grey water recycling  (see greywater FAQ) and water-saving devices for swimming pools and toilet flush systems (see product demo ).  Our WWF Award-winning water systems can be retrofitted or built into new buildings and can be adapted to small households or large business blocks, hospitals, schools, lodges & hotels.

Water Rhapsody has incorporated Yes Solar- official distributor of German-made Solsquare solar water heating systems that are installed by Eskom-accredited solar installers (our solar geysers are eligible for Eskom solar energy rebates).  We are authorized JoJo Water Tank dealers and Atlas Plastics water tank suppliers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province (best water tank prices in the Lowveld!).  We are also able to supply sanitary hardware such as waterless toilets through our JoJo Tanks and Atlas Plastics dealerships.

Contact us for a free quote on a solar water geyser, water tank or rainwater/gray water system today!