Tesla Model 3 Electric Car

I have been eagerly anticipating the release of Tesla's "mass-market" sedan, the Model 3.  It is slated to start around $35,000 and most are expected to sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range including upgrades.  That compares very favorably to the approximately $100,000 range that the current Tesla models sell for.  Electric cars are definitely the future, given that fossil fuels are a limited, nonrenewable resource.

The car is very attractive, sleek and impressive, like the rest of the Tesla line.  The performance is definitely going to be lower than the current Model S, but it is expected that the battery should last 200 miles per charge, which is awesome.  Speed and performance will likely be good as well.  If you haven't already put in your pre-order, then you probably won't be getting one of these until 2018, unless you buy off the gray market!

Drive Less, Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transit instead

Driving in the car is one of the biggest problems with pollution in our society.  Although, it may be unavoidable, especially in the suburban sprawl that most the US population is located in, there are many ways to mitigate the damage of this unnecessary evil.  The first way to go green in regards to the car is to drive less.  If you don't need to go somewhere, don't just take a drive on a whim.  Consider carpooling, so multiple people do not drive to the same location, wasting fuel and polluting the environment.  Make sure to take a well-planned trip, when you do drive in the car, get multiple things done in a single trip, rather than leaving the house each time you need a single item.

There are many transportation alternatives, although they are most applicable in urban environments.  Public transport is very convenient in many cities and is a great way to go green.  Moving multiple people in a single vehicle, rather than each of them driving in their own vehicle.  Many buses use clean natural gas, and subway trains utilize electricity.  If the trip is short, then just walk, you will get exercise, and also benefit the environment.  Consider riding your bike for short-mid length trips, that don't require you to carry many things, it uses no energy and is quite fun!

Other options to consider are hybrid vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, which get 50 MPG.  When shopping for cars, consider their environmental impact, especially based on your needs.  For example, as a single commuter, you don't need a Jeep SUV, go for something smaller.

This is part of my series: 20 Ways to Go Green that Make a Difference. This series discusses practical ways we can go green in our lives, that will have a measurable effect on the environment.  This is an alternative to the many lists that offer 100+ suggestions, many of which are not easily applied to our lives or the impact is minimal.