Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Your Car

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The convenience of modern automobiles has altered the way we live our lives and how, when, and where we travel. For three generations, most people have relied on a personal vehicle to get to and from the places they need to go. To meet this demand, American companies (not including imports) have produced approximately 270.7 million passenger vehicles between the years of 1990 and 2020. That is an incredible amount of production, and with it, unfortunately, comes an incredible amount of waste.

Sustainability in the Automotive Industry

As Americans become more and more conscious of their impact on the environment, we have to face the reality that the cars we love and the parts they use are filling up landfills at an alarming rate. But fear not! There are a few, simple ways you can reduce the “footprint” left by your vehicles.

The first thing to remember is that your car causes waste even before you are ready to get rid of it. Oil changes, new tires, seat covers, car seats, et cetera, all leave behind many non-recyclable elements.

Where should used oil go?

Nowadays, most landfills refuse to allow used oil, and it is a simple thing to take your drained oil to a local auto-parts store. Many accept it and can recycle it. NEVER dump it in the drain, street, or even on that nosy neighbor's lawn.

Getting rid of used tires

You can always take your spare or worn out tires to recycling centers once you’re finished with them. However, spare tires have lots of “upcycle” purposes. Playground equipment, flower planters, and even sandboxes can be made from last year's tires.

Environmental impact of car seats and seat covers

When it comes to purchasing car seats and seat covers, the best way to reduce your impact is to look at the materials used and choose to spend your money with a company that sources their materials responsibly. For example, try to avoid using certain plastic polymers that cannot be effectively recycled.

How Car Donation Helps the Environment

Are you ready for that new set of wheels or maybe your beloved beater finally kicked the bucket? Donate a car to a non-profit organization such as your local NPR station, Habitat for Humanity, or American Cancer Society where it will be responsibly recycled or fixed up. Auto recycling helps the environment by turning the old steel from your vehicle into new steel for other products. Donating a car will aid organizations in your community and you'll also receive a tax write-off. It’s a win for everyone!

Junk Your Car

Your local auto recycler is an important ally in environmental recycling. The automobile is the most heavily recycled consumer product. Through a combination of regulations and improved processing, auto recycling becomes more efficient and cleaner every year. By sending your car to a local auto recycler, your car and its parts will be sustainably repurposed and the environment will thank you!

You Call We Haul will help sell your junk car to auto recyclers for cash, no matter the condition. A nationwide network of buyers place live bids on your vehicle, which lets you choose the best offer. Buyers include local and national automotive recyclers who will buy all types of non-functioning vehicles. Once you accept an offer, you’ll be contacted by a tow agent to arrange a vehicle pick up time most convenient for you. You’ll be paid in cash at pick up.

For more tips about responsible consumerism in today's auto industry or for help finding a reputable auto repair shop near you, stay up-to-date with RepairPal.com.

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RepairPal is working to mend the lack of trust consumers have in the car repair industry by providing them with in-depth knowledge and resources that connect them with dependable and reliable car repair shops near them.

Our goal is to establish an auto repair process that is less stressful and much more trustworthy for everyone involved. Our website hosts a car repair Estimator that gets rid of that "ripped-off" feeling. We also provide matches to local Certified shops that are guaranteed to do repairs with quality parts, a fair price, and a trained, awesome staff.