How Do Vehicles Affect The Carbon Footprint?

An increased awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, global warming and the detrimental effects of excessive fossil fuel consumption have led Americans to evaluate lifestyle habits both at home and on the road. One way to measure your personal contribution to air pollution, and to put the global contribution in perspective, is to determine your carbon footprint.

Identification

Your carbon footprint represents the sum of all greenhouse gases, measured in units of carbon dioxide, that you produce through your everyday activities, according to the Carbon Footprint website. Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and climate change. The United States produces "25 percent of global greenhouse gas pollution," according to Washington state's Department of Ecology. Personal vehicles are responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to National Geographic.

Effects

For every gallon of gas your vehicle burns, your car releases 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the environment, according to the government website fueleconomy. Burning a gallon of diesel fuel emits 22 pounds of carbon dioxide. The lower your gas mileage, the greater the negative environmental impact of your carbon footprint. Your yearly mileage affects your carbon footprint, as well: The more miles you drive, the more carbon dioxide you release into the air.

Factors

The type of vehicle you drive factors into your carbon footprint. Smaller, fuel-efficient cars burn less fuel per year than trucks or sport utility vehicles, and therefore have a reduced effect on your carbon footprint. Where you drive also affects carbon emissions. Congested traffic areas that require frequent stops and idling result in increased fuel usage. Driving in extreme heat or cold increases your carbon footprint, because car air conditioners and heaters increase fuel usage.

Considerations

You can reduce the carbon footprint of your vehicle by making changes in your driving habits. Turning off your engine during traffic lulls or when waiting in lines reduces carbon emissions by 3.2 pounds in only 10 minutes, according to Washington's Department of Ecology. Other recommendations include tuning up your vehicle regularly, using air conditioning sparingly, accelerating gradually, using cruise control on the highway, replacing your air filter every 2,200 miles, using public transportation or carpooling whenever possible, and keeping your tires properly inflated. Consider a hybrid or more fuel-efficient model the next time you purchase a vehicle.

Potential

The gasoline burned by most vehicles comes from fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are not renewable, meaning that they don't replace or replenish themselves. Certain alternative fuels derived from non-petroleum sources produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel and can potentially reduce the United State's dependence on imported oil, according to fueleconomy. Ethanol, biodiesel and hydropower-produced hydrogen are alternative fuel options that produce less greenhouse gas and have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles.