1. Bring Home a Star

  2. Go Low Flow

  3. Change Your Light Bulbs

  4. Think Solar

  5. Flip the Switch!!!

  6. Share a Ride

  7. Harness the Power of Green

  8. Weatherize and Insulate

  9. Purchase an Energy Efficient Vehicle

  10. Automate Your Heating and Cooling

Purchase an Energy Efficient Vehicle

Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles can be more fuel efficient and cheaper to drive than traditional cars, and often qualify for tax incentives. A good source to learn more is www.fueleconomy.gov.

Alternative fuel vehicles run on energy sources other than petroleum.  These include: ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas.

Hybrid Cars:

  • Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to increase a vehicle's fuel economy.

  • The gas engine provides much of the car's power, while the electric motor provides the car with additional power when necessary (when passing another car or accelerating).

  • The electric motor is powered by a battery that is charged from the gasoline engine during use.

    • Ethanol:

  • Ethanol is produced in the United States, reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources.

  • E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) can be used in "flexible fuel vehicles."

  • Ethanol produces less air pollution compared to regular cars.

    • Biodiesel:

  • Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel that is developed from leftover restaurant grease, vegetable oil and animal fat.

  • Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or mixed with petroleum. Most engine manufacturers don't recommend a higher blend than 5% biodiesel-95% gasoline, anything higher might void your engine warranty.

  • Biodiesel's benefits include: a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas compared to standard vehicle engines; biodiesel fuel is biodegradable and non-toxic and biodiesel fuel can be used in diesel engines, particularly newer models.

    • Note: If your vehicle has not been converted to run on biodiesel, do not use grease or vegetable oil in your engine, they will damage it.

    Natural Gas:

  • Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels currently on the market.  It is available in either compressed or liquefied natural gas.

  • Natural gas's advantages include: Almost 87% of natural gas used in the U.S. is produced in the U.S.; greatly reduced smog pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and it is less expensive than gasoline.
    • 2007 Energy Solutions for New Mexico