Last year the average U.S household spent close to $5,500 on automobile expenses (gasoline, repairs, parking, tolls, etc.). Some cities averaged as high as $10,000 per household. With Americans confined to their vehicles for about 5% of their time, these aren’t exactly what you’d call biofriendly expenses.

Image by The Infamous Gdub

It’s surprising the number of motorists who aren’t aware of or don’t follow some of the basic driving tips that could save them time, money, gasoline, lower their vehicle’s emissions, etc.

Some people are smart and try to avoid those hefty expenses as much as they can by opting for public transportation. Did you know it has even been reported that using public transportation is better for your weight and overall health? It also is a good way to travel without having to deal with the frustration so often associated with traffic and road rage.

But if you don’t live or work in an area with a good public transportation system, then you will definitely want to make sure you make the most of your drive. Therefore, I suggest you try to avoid these 10 not so biofriendly motorist mistakes in order to help you get on your way:

1 – Leaving the vehicle idling: There is no reason to leave your vehicle idling (unless you are stuck in traffic of course). You don’t waste gas by turning your vehicle off and back on again. You will definitely lower your emissions though and more than likely save money rather than let it idle away.

2 – Ignoring regular maintenance: Regular maintenance on your vehicle is key. Keeping your vehicle maintained will help ensure it runs better, keep your engine clean and can also help lower harmful emissions. A properly maintained vehicle also tends to break down less thus saving you money on unexpected repair costs. A proven fuel additive is always a plus too…Green Plus®.

3 – Rapid starts and stops: Don’t race off as soon as the light turns green only to slam on your brakes for the next red light. Your fuel economy will be better with a gradual start/stop and you won’t put as much wear and tear on your tires, brakes, etc.

4 – Keeping lots of “stuff” in your vehicle: Unless you are going on a trip, why keep your vehicle filled with stuff you don’t need? All it does it load the vehicle down and cause the engine to work harder due to the added weight.

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5 – Not checking tire pressure: Properly inflated tires also play a roll in fuel economy. Correctly inflated tires can reduce your fuel usage by up to 3-4%. Tip: most vehicles have a sticker on the door to let you know the proper tire pressure.

6 – Not planning ahead: Planning ahead and consolidating mutual trips saves in many ways. Also, if you know you are going to need to run errands, don’t do so during rush hour traffic.

7 – Speeding: Gas mileage usually starts decreasing when you get to around 60 mph. Figure it this way….”each 5mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas“. So, slow down.

Image via fueleconomy.gov

8 – Not taking advantage of GPS: I know many men (and some women) don’t like to ask for directions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your GPS. Taking advantage of your GPS is also a smart way to save gasoline, not to mention time. Plug in your destination and let your GPS help you with the fastest route as well as avoid delays and unnecessary idling.

9 – Ignoring or overusing your cruise control: Cruise control is a great thing, but if you don’t use it properly it isn’t going to help you when you drive. Cruise control is perfect for relatively flat terrain. It keeps your vehicle at a steady speed and maintains it. Using cruise control while traveling through the hills/mountains will cause you to speed up a lot faster than if you were stepping on the gas yourself.

10 – Keeping your windows down: This one is kind of a toss up in my book. Keeping your windows up helps make your vehicle more aerodynamic, but having your A/C on all the time can lower the air quality in your vehicle. So, I guess it’s a personal preference.

Image by Vagabond Shutterbug

Now, I’m not saying that you will dramatically reduce your fuel economy or immediately save hundreds in automobile expenses just by avoiding these mistakes. I am saying that you might want to take note and make a few adjustments in your driving if you are making any of these not so biofriendly motorist mistakes.

If you have any personal tips that help you drive a little more biofriendly, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let me know. If it works for you, I’m sure others can benefit from it as well.

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Life isn’t always cut out the way we think it should be. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most out of it, right?! As Eleanor Roosevelt so aptly stated: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” So, with that in mind…here are some simple biofriendly tips for life and living:

1) Don’t regret the past: Regardless of whether or not you’ve made mistakes in your life (which I’m sure we all have), don’t regret what you’ve done in your past. The things you did in the past are part of what made you who you are today.

Learn from your past and use it to help improve your future. You will find that today, tomorrow and many tomorrows will be better for it.

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2) Get outside daily: Even if it is just for 15-20 minutes a day, take the time to get outside. Smell the fresh air, get some sun on your skin (Vitamin D, you know). Look at the beauty of nature around you. Who knows, it might even inspire you.

3) Eat locally grown foods or better yet, grow some of your own: You hear it said all the time. So what’s holding you back? It is probably easier than you think.

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Besides, it doesn’t matter why you want to do it…whether it’s because it is a biofriendly or environmentally-friendly thing to do or because you want to save money or maybe because you realize how great freshly picked food tastes. Fresh fruits, herbs, vegetables, etc. are great for you too. They can be a healthy snack or a smart addition to a well-balanced meal.

4) Cut down on your transportation emissions: Are you aware how much smog and harmful emissions can affect you? Plus, who wants to be breathing in harmful toxins? I know I don’t.

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An easy way to reduce your exposure to these harmful transportation emissions is by cutting down your driving time. Car-pool or ride-share whenever you can. Take public transportation where available. Use a proven fuel additive to further reduce your vehicles emissions and improve your fuel economy. Walk or ride your bike around town. Talk to your office about telecommuting. Have video conferences rather than requiring employees to travel long distances for a company conference or meeting.

5) Get up and get moving: As Sir Isaac Newton taught us as part of his first law of motion: “Every object persists in its state of rest…unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed on it.”

Well, the same applies to your body. You don’t want to be stuck in a continuous state of rest, therefore you need to get moving. Regular exercise such as walking, bike riding, hiking, swimming, playing sports, etc. is a great way to get moving and keep fit.

6) Buy less, save more: We can’t measure our success in life by how much we own. Some people may try to do that, but life isn’t about “stuff”. I mean seriously, how much stuff do you already own that you rarely use? When was the last time you cleaned out your closets or garage?

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Measure your life by what you have accomplished or by how many lives you have touched. The kind words, the helping hand, the smile when someone was feeling down are often a lot more valuable and more memorable than you can imagine.

7) Live life: Every person’s life is worth living…every moment and every breathe. Don’t let one moment pass you by.

While you’ve probably heard that many times in your life, let me tell you there is nothing that makes that point clearer than watching your children grow up. Every moment is precious. Every experience worth having. Nothing is small or insignificant.

Image by Dy Zach Photoworks

When it all comes down to biofriendly living, recognize the life all around you. Be smart and respect that life, care for the people and things that have a positive impact on your life and create the kind of life you want. You are the only one who can.

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On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved and officially adopted, thus declaring the independence and separation of the United States of America from Great Britain. So, with the 4th of July only a few days away, Americans everywhere are getting ready to celebrate their Independence Day with picnics, parties and various other activities. But, whether you have already made your plans or not, here are 5 MUSTS for a biofriendly 4th of July:

1. Probably one of the most important things you can do on the 4th of July is get outside! Why? Well, not only is it good for you to get sun, vitamin D, fresh air, exercise, etc. but it also helps you renew your love of the great outdoors. As a kid, you probably spent a lot of time outside. I know I sure did!

There is nothing quite like enjoying the 4th of July with family and friends at a park, in the backyard or wherever you choose to relax and enjoy your day. And if your kids need some coaxing away from their electronic games, here are 10 tricks to get them outside. Hopefully you won’t need those tricks though.

One favor while you are outside…take some time to look around you, smell the flowers, do some bird-watching, lay on the grass and look at the clouds, etc.

2. Unplug! Turn your phone, computer and TV off. Unplug them as well, or turn off your power strips, so you aren’t wasting money on phantom electrical power.

You really shouldn’t be connected to your computer all day on any day of the week, but when it comes to a holiday – UNPLUG!

Take the opportunity to step away from your FB friends – I’m sure they’ll understand. Twitter won’t collapse without you for the day. Digg if you must first thing in the morning….but seriously, just unplug. The world will keep spinning….I promise.

Besides, not only will you save energy, but you save money and get yourself some much needed “you time”.

With the average American spending approximately 60 hours a month online, don’t you think it’s time to get outside?

3. Don’t even think about buying disposable party plates, cups and cutlery. Bring your own re-usable ones, or better yet, have everyone bring their own. That way each person/family is responsible for bringing their own dishes and thus cleaning up their own dishes.

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It makes for a LOT less trash and an easier clean up. Don’t forget to bring some re-usable containers too – that way you won’t waste food, you can pack it up and have the leftovers later.

But if you really are looking for some eco-friendly plates and party-ware, these 100% recycled plates from Preserve come pretty highly recommended.

4. Think twice about getting up close and personal with a fireworks show. It’s a well-known fact that fireworks are known for causing not only harm to the environment, but to your health as well.

Over the years, larger fireworks shows have started offering more eco-friendly fireworks and pyrotechnics, but smaller ones more than likely won’t have that option. Either way, the safest way to watch fireworks (if you insist on going to a fireworks show) is to avoid being downwind from the fireworks show.

5. Just remember, while you might like to watch fireworks on the 4th of July, that doesn’t mean your pet likes to watch them too. Many pets get stressed out or panic at the loud noises produced by fireworks going off. In order to ensure your pet doesn’t get overly stressed out, or even attempt to run away, help keep a safe environment for them all day long and especially while fireworks are going off.

Image by Right About Me

A few tips I have personally found to work well: turning up the tv, sitting and relaxing with your pet and keeping a regular schedule that day. Ensuring your doors and windows are closed/locked and your dog is safely inside is a good idea too. Here are a few more smart 4th of July safety tips for your pet.

So…I’d love to hear what you have planned to make it a safe, happy and biofriendly 4th of July! Here are some fireworks you can enjoy in the meantime – Happy Independence Day America!