Drive Easy diary

Microactivism - why the image matters

Jay Hanson — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:56:43 +0000

Greenslowmovingvehicle is nothing more and nothing less than a decentralized conservation awareness group identified by magnets and stickers. This tight visual medium can be perceived and "unpackaged" into a comprehensive political, environmental, social, and economic message - all while changing lanes or waiting for a green light.

The data.

Jay Hanson — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 03:13:56 +0000

We all flinch at each uptick of gas prices, right? Well, factor in this rule of thumb: each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas.

EPA data: Gas Mileage vs. Speed

Model	Speed = 40 MPH	Speed = 50 MPH	Speed = 60 MPH
	Gas Mileage (mpg)	Gas Mileage (mpg)	Gas Mileage (mpg)
Sub-Compact	35	36	29
Compact	28	30	27
Midsize	21	22	20
Van	15	17	13
Luxury	13	14	12

The EPA is apparently quite confident that you wouldn't have any inclination to go as fast as 65, and of course no one ever exceeds the legal limit, so why waste time doing the numbers for 70, 75, or 80 mph?

If the sweet spot for fuel efficiency is in the 50's, as the chart indicate, then as you get into the high 60's and above, the addition of each mph requires more fuel than the last. This is explained in greater detail at howstuffworks' article answering the question, "What speed should I drive to get maximum fuel efficiency?"

Other links on other side topics relating to fuel efficient driving: (in progress)

Which is more efficient, air conditioning or windows down?

People lead.

Jay Hanson — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 01:55:42 +0000

We have waited and waited, and continue to wait, for leadership on fossil fuel conservation. At some point - NOW - it becomes clear that leadership is where leadership can be found. If it can't be found in the government, do you point the finger, or do you act? What if "acting" meant doing less?

What if the act of doing less increased both your safety and the safety of your great great grandchildren?

Reducing your carbon footprint.

Jay Hanson — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 01:44:53 +0000

How about it? Your speed is one of the main factors in determining how much oil it will take you from getting from one point to the next. You are one of 6.6 billion human beings living on the earth. So, what was the hurry again?