An average household with two mid-size sedans creates 10 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Fortunately by making a few little changes you can get noticeably better mileage, thus saving both environment and money.

Before going out for a drive, plan ahead and try combining trips to save both time and fuel. Run errands in the same area on the same day. Instead of driving walk to neighbouring stores.

For commute consider using your most fuel-efficient car, carpooling, sharing a ride or using public transportation - the latter can also give you additional time for catching up on your reading, e-mail or other things you don't normally have time for. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has information about public transportation in your state. Try to avoid rush-hour and see if your employer would let you work from home occasionally.

To get the best mileage out of the car you're driving, evaluate your driving style. Just by easing up on the gas pedal you can get up to 35% better mileage. Accelerate more slowly, pay attention to the traffic around you and think ahead by stopping more gradually. Whenever you see a yellow or red light, lift your foot from the gas pedal to give the car more coasting time. On a highway, using cruise-control is a good way of saving gas. Gas mileage decreases fast when going over 60 mph, so try to stay under.

When buying a new car, compare the gas-mileages and choose the one with best mileage that fits your needs. Consider both the size and the options - smaller cars take usually less fuel, heavy options (like four-wheel-drive) take extra gas to move around. In the US you can find the best mileage in the class you are looking for at www.fueleconomy.gov.