Approximately 40 percent of the energy consumption in the U.S. is by light cars and trucks. I’m referring to the energy used by you and me going to work, running errands, visiting grandmother’s house, chauffeuring children or going out to play.

Widespread transportation conservation efforts in the U.S. would have a significant impact on increasing our energy independence with resulting improvement in national security, not to mention easing the pressure to drill in every last pristine place that remains. Instead, we would have the opportunity to share the legacy of abundant wildlife and special places with future generations. That thought creates a wonderful freedom of spirit for me. Road engineers have estimated that there are an average of ten auto trips per day per household: one round trip counts as two trips, one out and one back. By communicating briefly with other household members at the start of the day about your errands, you can decrease the number of auto trips. If you have pathways or transit available, consider using them – even for a few trips per week. It may not seem like much, but being deliberate about your personal travel can easily save 20-40 percent in gas and energy consumption.

There are also several other ways to diminish the use of petroleum for personal mobility.

If you are in the market for a new car, consider a hybrid or a flex fuel vehicle. The five-passenger Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids get about 50 miles per gallon once you get the car broken in and are familiar with how to get the most out of it. Both Toyota and Honda have other hybrid models available as well, including a small SUV. Ford also has hybrids, including a Silverado truck, although the mileage on the bigger vehicles is much lower than the Prius or Civic.

What you can do
For more information about how you can personally make a difference for a better energy future, visit the web site for the National Clean Cities program, or visit the site for the Greater Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities coalition. You’ll find links for in-depth analyses and details on topics in this article.

Flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) are cars and trucks made since 1999 that are constructed to run on gasoline or 85 percent ethanol (E85), an agriculture- based fuel—usually corn in the U.S. Most dealers and owners are not yet tuned into FFV, but if you have a recent model vehicle, check the owner’s manual to see if you can use E85. Ten percent ethanol (E10) is common in many gas blends and you may not even know you are using it because the gas pump does not need to be marked. Ask your fuel retailer if s/he carries E10. If not, ask if s/he will. Ethanol blends have been helpful in keeping a lid on recent high gas prices. Again, a 10 percent step in the right direction is a good contribution to a better energy future.

Another agriculture-based fuel, biodiesel, has received a lot of attention lately. Biodiesel blends are becoming popular for diesel engines. Harmful emissions, especially fine particulates that can damage children’s lungs, are significantly reduced with biodiesel. Vehicles made after 1994 need no modification to use biodiesel blends. Since biodiesel gels at a slightly higher temperature than regular diesel, lower blends such as B5 or B10 are recommended for winter time. In the U.S., biodiesel is usually produced from soy beans or rapeseed and can be an enhancement to rural economies.

Sandy Shuptrine is a board member for the Wyoming Outdoor Council and coordinator for the Greater Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Coalition, working to bring renewable fuels for transportation into the region.