You’re not in a position to buy a hybrid, but you want to be kind to the environment. Is there anything you can do? Yes! Almost any car—and its driver—can become a little greener. Here are eight easy ways to help reduce your carbon footprint: 

1. Tire pressure should be checked every two to three weeks. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Keeping the tires on your vehicle properly inflated can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. When you buy new tires, always have the wheels aligned. Keeping the wheels pointed straight ahead helps reduce drag.

2. Check the spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can cause hard starting and poor performance and can reduce fuel economy by as much as 30 percent. Although some spark plugs can last as long as 100,000 miles, even those will need changing eventually.

3. Change the air filter regularly—a dirty air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to  10 percent.

4. Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. By changing the oil on schedule, you will reduce the amount of toxic oil you dispose of. You can also improve your fuel economy by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.

5. Manufacturers spend hundreds of engineering hours trying to remove excess weight from vehicles in order to make them more economical. Follow their example and don’t use your trunk as a storage locker. Carrying around an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by two percent.

6. When your car is idling, you are getting zero miles per gallon. If you are waiting for any length of time (to pick up your child from school or your friend at the mall), turn the engine off. In some places, this is the law anyway.

7. Speeding can dramatically reduce fuel economy. Most cars get their best mileage at around 55 to 60 miles per hour. Driving at higher speeds wastes fuel.

8. Combine trips whenever possible. Think about your day and plan your route accordingly to reduce fuel usage.