Eco Church

Minimising your impact to the environment when using the car

Using the car is not the most eco-friendly means of getting about, but if walking, cycling or using public transport is not accessible or possible for you, there are ways to reduce the impact of your driving on the planet by reducing emissions and saving you money, fuel and time.

Improving fuel efficiency

• Drive smoothly as excessive breaking and accelerating increases fuel consumption.

• Shift up a gear early.

• Avoid excessive speeds as this eats up your fuel be that oil based or electric.

• Switch off your engine if you are going to be stationary for more than a minute.

• Opening a window uses less fuel than switching on the air conditioning.

• Roof racks, boxes, and bars increase air resistance and thus fuel consumption so remove when not in use.

Regular vehicle maintenance

• Having your car serviced at least annually will keep it operating efficiently as this is when air filters and oil changes are done.

• Check regularly that your tyres are inflated as per the manual as under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption.

• Monitor the gauges on your dashboard and react promptly to any warning signs or alerts.

Plan efficient routes

• Plan your trips so that multiple errands can be completed in one journey.

• Travel during off-peak hours whenever possible to avoid lots of stops and starts.

• Use GPS navigation to help you find the most fuel-efficient route to your destination.

Car club membership

• • If you do not  require the use of a car very often and live in an urban area you may find that joining a community car club such as Co-wheels or car sharing would be more cost effective for you and better for the planet.

Adapted from an article published by Darwin Insurance

Spring Ramble: Friday 25 April

The Fountainhall Church Eco Team invite you to join them for their next Spring ramble to explore the River Dee which stretches 81 miles from its source high up in the Cairngorms, down through Royal Deeside to where it joins the North Sea at the City of Aberdeen.

Meet at the Cults Hotel, 328 N Deeside Rd, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9SE, at 9.45am for 10.00am departure on Friday 25 April.

We shall walk initially along quiet back streets to Inchgarth Reservoir where there are often gulls, swans and several types of duck. From there we will access the riverbank. The path along the river is narrow, through grassland and mixed woodland, with patches of willow and alder, superb views of the river and opportunities to see salmon and heron. We shall cross the Bridge of Dee at the pedestrian crossing and then regain the riverbank continuing to the King George VI Bridge where we shall enter Duthie Park via the gates at the southwest corner.

From there we continue to the Park Café for refreshments! The walk is 3 miles. There is the opportunity to visit the David Welch Winter Gardens. Walkers can retrace their steps to the Cults Hotel following the old Deeside Line which stretches from Aberdeen up the Dee as far as Ballater. The return walk is 3 miles.

NB Warm clothing and stout walking shoes are recommended as sections of the walk are often muddy after rain.

This is a free event. All are very welcome. Please contact Sheila via email eco@fountainhallchurch.org.uk if you would like to join us.