Every gallon of gas your car burns sends 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air. What better reason to give some thought to how we can make our cars more fuel-efficient?

• Watch your speed. Gas mileage decreases greatly after 60 mph.
• Use cruise control when you can and avoid sudden starts and stops. An even speed is the most efficient.
• Avoid idling. Excessive idling wastes a lot of fuel and generates needless greenhouse emissions.
• Don’t drive in rush hour if possible. Telecommute one day a week if your employer allows it.
• Combine trips and carpool when you can.
• Get regular maintenance and replace air filters regularly.
• Inflate your tires properly.
• Take excess weight out of your trunk.

Ideally we would all be driving an alternative fuel car. (Learn more about alternative fuels at fueleconomy.gov.) But if you’re not, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your vehicle. For about $40 a year you can offset your greenhouse gas emissions by funding renewable energy projects. Check out terrapass.com to find out how.