We all know cars are a major source of CO2 pollution. But it’s not easy giving them up, especially if you rely on them to get to work, to the shops, or to the school.

What you need is a car detox!

Try this choose-what-you-lose diet plan. Start using your car more efficiently, and even wean yourself off the old banger!

Simply select your activities from the list below. Aim for a saving of at least 20 kilos of CO2 per week, using the counter on the left to help you. 

If you’re feeling ambitious, try some of the activities lower down on the list for the best CO2 savings.

Don't leave the engine running when stationary

Brrr - it's a cold morning. Even so, avoid the temptation of de-icing by leaving your car running while you have your breakfast. And remember to switch off your engine in traffic jams to conserve fuel.

Drive more efficiently

Avoid sharp acceleration and heavy breaking. Change up through the gears as soon as you can to save on revs. And watch your speed - 55-65mph is usually the most efficient.

Limit use of air conditioning

Air conditioning gobbles fuel - contributing towards your carbon footprint. So next time it's a scorcher, use the regular vent and loosen your clothes instead of flicking the icy switch.

Leave the car at lunch time and walk to the shop

Gotta dash, only 30 minutes to find some lunch! Sound familiar? If so, try to extend your lunch period so you don't rely on the car quite so much.

Go shopping once a week instead of twice

We all hate big supermarket shops. But then, the planet hates regular car-stops - so get into the routine of just one shop each week.

Shop online

A shop online saves time. It also saves carbon emissions - the CO2 emitted from the delivery van doing multiple stops will be less than the CO2 you create from a one-off trip.

Shop online & buy local perishables

Shopping online reduces your carbon footprint. You can reduce it even more if you take the bus to your local market and buy locally-produced fruit, veg, and meat - instead of food transported from abroad.

Start carpooling

No, "carpooling" doesn't mean driving under water. It simply means sharing a lift. Rather than several people driving, take it in turns instead.

Share the school run

Club together with other parents and take turns to drive the kids to school each week. It will free up your time, and you'll reduce your CO2 emissions.

Walk or cycle journeys under 3 miles

Just nipping into town... but do you really need to drive? Why not take a stroll instead - or dust off the bike!

Use the 'Park & Ride' each day

Driving into the town each day? Most big towns have a Park and Ride, saving you the stress of fighting your way through the traffic.

Take the bus or train to work

It may sound inconvenient at first. But think about it. More time to concentrate on the day ahead, read a newspaper, or even take forty winks... Taking public transport to work can be a luxury!

Cycle to work

More and more people are cycling to work. It's safe, enjoyable, and great exercise. It also saves you money, saves congestion on the roads, and saves the planet from excess CO2 emissions!

Jog or walk to work

Got a gym membership, but no time to make use of it? Then walking or jogging to work could be your most convenient way to keep fit.

Use the bus or train for your business travel

You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint if you ditch the company car for work trips. Many coaches and trains have wi-fi - so you can use your travel time to check emails and make phone calls - instead of wasting time concentrating on the road.

Set up a 'No car week' at work

Really want to make a difference? Get everyone in your company to ditch the car for a week!

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