Complete a course on reducing vehicular fuel emissions (4.1)
There are countless ways to save energy and money on the road — and many of them can be done for free! We’ll be releasing our own course on reducing fuel emissions soon, but in the meantime, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution-reduction tips are a great place to get started.
Create a plan to walk or bike to places you would typically drive (4.2)
Walking and biking instead of driving allow you both to save fuel and get exercise. Lake Oswego is well-known for its ever-expanding network of sidewalks, trails, and pathways. If you need help planning a safe route, you can find a guide to your local trails and pathways on the City of Lake Oswego’s website.
Create a plan to carpool to work with a coworker (4.3)
Carpooling to and from work saves you money and provides a fun opportunity to socialize on the way! Talk to a coworker or friend about carpooling, or alternatively, considering using a carpool-pairing program like iRideshare.
Discuss switching to alternative transportation methods, limiting in-office workdays, or partnering with a Transportation Management Association with your employer (4.4)
While there are no incentives for employees specific to remote work in Oregon, the state does provide tax incentives for small businesses. Websites like Virtual Vocations offer information about working remotely in Oregon. Oregon Metro provides a guide to transportation management associations, and you can find a list of existing transportation management associations through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Talk to your employer and see if working remotely or joining a transportation management association are options for you.
Purchase a public transport pass and/or incorporate public transportation into your trips regularly (4.5)
Public transportation is a great way to limit travel expenses and carbon emissions. There are numerous TriMet bus stops throughout Lake Oswego. To incorporate public transportation into your next trip, you can quickly and easily buy a Hop Fastpass on the TriMet website. The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center also offers transportation services for adults who are 50 or older.
Take your car in for maintenance and complete efficiency-increasing repairs (4.6)
Fuel efficiency is crucial for car performance and can dramatically cut down on the amount of emissions your car releases and can cut down on your gas bill. Many different repairs can help to increase the fuel-efficiency of your car, but here are some of the most common examples.
Switch to a more eco-friendly form of fuel (4.7)
Putting eco-friendly fuels into your car can get you tax credits for $0.50 to $1.00 per gallon of alternative fuel. Be sure to check out the federal Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit and the federal Biodiesel Income Tax Credit if you’re planning to switch to a more eco-friendly form of fuel. The federal Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Tax Credit can also help to offset the initial purchase of a fuel cell vehicle.
Purchase a hybrid or electric car (4.8)
Not only do hybrid and electric cars reduce your emissions and save you money on fuel, many of them are also eligible for incentives and rebates. Be sure to check out the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, the federal Qualified Plug-In Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, the federal Qualified Two-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit, and the Portland General Electric Home EV Charging Rebates if you’re planning to buy or have recently bought a hybrid or electric car.