Resources

Guides to Greener Vehicles


Green Vehicle Purchasing Specifications
As agencies at all levels of government search for funds to remove mercury switches from their existing vehicles, government purchasers may still be buying new cars in which mercury is present. Although mercury switches have been primarily phased out, other vehicle components still contain mercury. These components are not usually required in government vehicles, however, so certification from vendors should be required to ensure that no vehicle purchased through a government contract contains mercury.
www.informinc.org/fact_P3vehicles.php

 

The Department of Energy
This site provides side-by-side comparisons of fuel economy and emissions. In addition, it provides general information about fuel economy.
www.fueleconomy.gov

 

Hybrid Vehicles Tax Incentives
Currently, the Federal government offers a $2,000 tax deduction to purchasers of hybrid vehicles, but your state may offer further incentives. For additional information about possible incentives in your state, check the Clean Car Campaign website.
www. cleancarcampaign.org/hybridstate.shtml

 

A Guide to Cleaner Vehicle Production, Use & Disposal
Is your motor vehicle "green?" Motor vehicles are arguably the most complex and environmentally damaging consumer products on the planet. From the cradle to the grave, your vehicle creates tremendous environmental impacts. This Environmental Defense site shows what happens at that stage of a vehicle's life-cycle and how you can help prevent pollution.
www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=928

 

ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks
ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks rates all new vehicles according to environmental friendliness. Covering gasoline and diesel vehicles as well as electrics, hybrids, and other alternatives, the Green Book tells you how to buy green when shopping for a new car, van, SUV, or pickup truck. Consumers can compare vehicles by their environmental impacts, including air pollution, global warming and fuel efficiency.
www.greenercars.com

 

ICLEI Green Fleets Site
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is an association of local governments dedicated to the prevention and solution of local, regional, and global environmental problems through local action. Taken together, the following steps -- conducting a fleet analysis, setting emissions goals, determining and implementing actions to meet those goals -- constitute ICLEI's Green Fleets process of greening local government fleets. Already proven effective, Green Fleets can help your city or county reduce greenhouse gas pollution, improve air quality, and save money.
www.greenfleets.org

 

Tailpipe Tally
Use our simple interactive tool below and find out fuel consumption, fuel cost and vehicle emissions for any vehicle you choose (model year 1978 to present). Build your own comparison list of up to four vehicles, in any combination of new and used.
www. environmentaldefense.org/TailpipeTally

 

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Contacting Automakers

If you are concerned about toxic chemicals in your car, you can take action by contacting the customer service department of your car's automaker. See the list below for contact information.