What to look for in a green eco-friendly car at myhomechannel.org

Register Now
If you are currently not a member of myhomechannel.org you can't experience the full benefits of the site. And why aren't you? It's free to register!
Take a moment to watch a quick introduction video for all myhomechannel.org has to offer.
If you're already a member, login above to access your personalized service lists for lawn, garden, cars, home, and more!

Buying the Green Machine
by Wil Wood

Is it time to purchase a new vehicle already? Can you still cruise the streets in a Prius? Is hybrid the only way? Don’t worry, Trendy Environmental Warrior—here are a few things to consider when purchasing your new car.

Change is good. Hybrid cars will cut down your gas input and output—that’s common knowledge. These suckers also use battery which is recharged every time you slam on the breaks (How cool is that.) Hybrids also use an internal combustion engine that knows when to turn off when you’re idling—sure they are smaller and less powerful, but this isn’t NASCAR.
Always know your fuel intake. Gas prices are always going to make people groan, so this tip is pretty self-explanatory. If it’s going to cost you 80 dollars to fill up a half tank, don’t bother with this car. (Or monster.)
Greenhouse emissions—those are bad, right? So if a car puts out 10 tons of CO2 a year…well, that probably isn’t good for the environment. So if you want to keep Santa snow-covered…search for a car that isn’t so pro-global warming.
Don’t paint it black. While the Rolling Stones song, Paint it black, is an awesome song, dark hued cars have to work a lot harder to stay cool which is more hassle for the environment. So keep your car white or a lighter color (especially if you plan on visiting California.)
Keep it light. The heavier a car, the more gas it burns. So if you buy a lighter smaller model, and keep it clean—your gas mileage will be pretty awesome. (Besides, do you really need a portable storage unit? I don’t think so.)
Try something new—and get paid for it. You might not realize this, but our government likes to give us money when we go green. When hybrids first launched, tax breaks were offered (And some hybrid purchases are still rolling in until 2010) so, new green cars = old green money.
Recyclable Cars! By 2015, Companies will be required to build all cars to be 95% recyclable. Luckily, some companies decided not to wait that long. Volvo has been working to be green since 2002—as of now all cars they make are 85% recyclable and 95% recoverable. Not a bad start, no?
Speaking of car companies…how green are they? Just because your car is ideally the most reusable-earth friendly hobbit in the grove, doesn’t mean they company that put it out is so responsible. If you want to help out the earth, don’t support the companies that are going green for the cash.
Check out the EPA! The Environmental Protection Agency has a handy rating system that will let you know how friendly your car really is by showing you how it scores on Air Pollution, Fuel Economy, and Greenhouse Gases.

Applaud yourself! You have made it to the final tip to this green guide. If you have researched the cars, taken the tips and think you are ready to buy—Take this last note. Do you need a car? Sure, This could have been tip one…but living with out a vehicle can be a scary idea for some. If you live close to work, and really want to cut down on your carbon footprint—Buy a bike! The ultimate green machine.

Username:		Points:
1.	TWSisk	4795
2.	Colette	2320
3.	keepitclean	2060
4.	jonnydakat	2010
5.	kdhobx	1930
6.	danfromyardl	1400
7.	mstpeter	1395
8.	ladylawn	1220
9.	wnwood3	1075
10.	jessicaburch	1030