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Jake de Grazia - Contributing Writer
Posted on Thursday 18th February 2010

Be Like Maersk
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What's the fastest way to save money and cut carbon emissions?

I bet there are lots of great answers out there, but, according to an article in Wednesday's New York Times, the best answer might be the most counter-intuitive. The fastest way to save money and cut carbon emissions might be to slow down.

It worked for Maersk, a massive transcontinental shipping company. They reduced fuel costs and carbon emissions by 30%, and they did it immediately. No investment. No technology. All they had to do was explain to their clients that they were going to move things more slowly. And, apparently, the clients didn't mind.

And, like ships, cars run much more efficiently when they're not in a hurry. According to the International Energy Agency, slowing a car's cruising speed from 65 MPH to 55 MPH burns 20% less fuel (and releases 20% less greenhouse gases) over the same distance.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to slow down?
Amy's picture
Posted on 18 February 2010 - 11:15pm by Amy.
Slow boats sound good, but not sure if this is going to fly for cars...encouraging a behavioral shift in choosing small, more efficient cars is probably more likely than getting people to drive slower.

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