For long-distance driving on roads with very little traffic, it’s always a good idea to use the cruise-control function on your vehicle. By helping your car maintain a continuous speed, cruise control takes acceleration out of your hands, which saves gas over time. In fact, studies have shown that cruise control (when used properly) can save about 7% to 14% in fuel usage versus driving yourself. But never use cruise control in wet or icy conditions.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Sitting in traffic on the highway wastes more than just time to get to your destination. Numerous studies have shown that the environmental impact is huge -- massive amounts of petroleum are wasted as cars sit idle, and air pollution increases significantly with nitrous oxides and particulates polluting the air. To avoid traffic, use a GPS, take alternate routes and travel during off-peak hours. One more seemingly minor adjustment: Signal when changing lanes. Studies show signaling early allows other drivers to adjust their speed and position, which helps prevent traffic jams.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Does your smartphone have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos on it? Storing all of those photos "in the cloud" has a big environmental impact. The energy required to store, manage and back up your images on servers is quite significant. In fact, a recent study showed the average person takes just under 1,000 photos a year, which is equal to 10.6 kg of C02 emissions a year. Multiply that by the billions of people with smartphones, and it adds up to a lot. To make a difference, routinely purge unwanted and duplicate photos.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION