How to Reduce the Effect Petrol has on the Environment

The world is becoming increasingly worried about the problem of global warming, and with good reason. The world's average temperature is getting warmer each year, with even the slightest change exerting an impact on the longevity of our planet. A major contributor to this problem is the emission of pollutants from cars. This article shows how you can reduce the effect of petrol from our vehicles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy a car that runs on diesel. Petrol is a fossil fuel. The combustion of fossil fuel generates sulfuric, carbonic and nitric acids, which can create acid rain. Diesel users can now get ultra low sulphur diesel.

2. Convert your car to use biofuel. If your car is a diesel you can switch to biofuel which uses renewable sources such as vegatable oil. For more details, visit the biofuel link below.

3. Buy a hybrid car. This combines a petrol engine with a battery without compromising the car's performance.

4. Buy an electric car. These cars may not be as efficient as petrol run vehicles but they do not emit pollutants into the air when driven. Though it is often overlooked that emissions are produced from the generation of the electricity.

5. Make sure you are not needlessly contributing pollutants. For example if you overfill your car when the tank is poorly sealed, petrol can leak out and evaporate into the atmosphere.

6. Start cycling to work. The number of vehicles on the road is increasing dramatically. Since 1980, the energy that transport uses has risen from 25% to 37%. Nowadays, an increasing number of UK cities have cycle routes. In some cases, it is quicker to cycle than to drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Reducing your cars petrol consumption will reduce the emission of pollutants.

Resources

• Environment agency
• Biofuel