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Van Drivers Need to Think Green, Too

In recent years the world has finally woken up to what environmentalists have been saying for decades, and we’ve all become more aware of the need to think and act green. Individuals, commercial organisations and local and national governments have all been under increasing pressure to do as much as possible to maintain our natural resources and to search for more ecological ways to adapt our lifestyles. However, while there has been plenty of media spotlight and news reports about how car manufacturers and drivers should be doing their bit, there has been less debate aimed at makers and users of vans. Larger commercial vehicles are a familiar sight on our roads, of course, and they use up sizable amounts of fuel on a daily basis.

Because of the number of vans on the road, and the frequency with which they are driven, even small concessions to the environment can make a huge difference to the overall struggle. Drivers who engage in multi-drop runs every day need to become more aware of the issues, of course, and one of the first steps they should take is to switch the engine off while delivering or collecting items. For some drivers, leaving the van running has become a common practice over the years, and it really has to stop.

For companies and individuals who are considering the purchase of a new model, there are many greener options available nowadays. The choice is an impressively wide one among dealers nationwide. Contract hire, for those who prefer to lease, is also a viable choice, especially in the midst of difficult and continuing economic difficulties. Van leasing is available from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

In the coming years, we’re likely to see an increase in the range of green vans that will be available to the commercial sector, with continuing research into the use of bio-fuel engines, hybrid systems and even purely electric vehicles. While the limited mileage of the latter is still an issue, research and development will help to overcome these difficulties. Many experts are confidently predicting that the implementation of a reliable 500-mile battery is only a matter of time.

For now, though, the onus falls on drivers and fleet owners to do all they can to help the environment. One of the much-needed quick wins can be achieved by purchasing satellite navigation equipment. A GPS unit can bring an end to those infuriating journeys that involve wasted minutes searching for difficult to find addresses. Over the course of a year, these journeys can make a huge dent in our fuel supplies.

Clay Miller
the authorClay Miller
I am the creator/writer of Ways2GoGreen.com and Ways2GoGreenBlog.com. I'm an advocate for oceans, beaches, state parks. I enjoy all things outdoors (e.g. running, golf, gardening, hiking, etc.) I am a graduate of the University of Kentucky (Go Wildcats!!). I'm also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Kentucky.

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