Eco-Friendly Car Accessories: Quick Switches for a Sustainable Ride
Let’s take a peek at eco-friendly car accessories you can switch on a dime.
It’s the age of environmental awareness, and metal straws and cotton totes are just the tip of the iceberg. In the states, the EPA continues to propel the auto industry forth, and makers are keeping things interesting. From the Tesla Model X to the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, the EV arena is at the edge of auto innovation.
But even if you don’t have an EV, you can still trim your ride’s carbon footprint. Choosing eco-friendly car accessories will do wonders for your road trips and commutes. Here are some quick switches you can make for your car.
Waterless car wash
Want to know a classic environmental move? Minimizing your use of natural resources. This includes water.
Regular car washes tend to use up quite a bit of water. If you’re working with a hose in your driveway, you can use about 30 gallons right then and there. In-bay car washes without reclamation systems use upwards of 100 gallons of water.
For a quick wash in between bucket and soap sessions, check out Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax. Not only is Meguiar’s a reputable brand that’s been around for a full 119 years (yes, I’m serious), but you’ll only use a few ounces of water within the spray itself.
This stuff isn’t reserved just for lovers of eco-friendly car accessories, either. If you live in a city or somewhere that restricts water usage (like California during drought season), then waterless car wash may just be your vehicle’s saving grace.
Washable car trash bag
Trash bins are one of those things you don’t think you need in your vehicle until you have it. Once you’ve experienced the simplicity of emptying a bin once it reaches peak capacity, you realize how much you don’t like trudging into your home with extra bits of trash (or even letting the trash pile up, yikes).
With a car trash bag that’s also washable, you don’t even need to employ a plastic bag for assistance. Just throw it in with the rest of your laundry when you’re ready!
Consider this eco-friendly car accessory from Freshline. It’s affordable and, based on those reviews, you’ll be holding on to it for years to come.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider washing your car trash bag — and the rest of your laundry — in a microplastic-catching washing bag. This product from GuppyFriend helps you keep those tiny particles of plastic from swimming from your pipes to the local waters, ultimately harming aquatic life and moving plastic up the food chain.
Recyclable rubber mats
Why not protect your vehicle’s carpets and protect the planet in one fell swoop?
In the US, landfills are a major environmental concern. The modern landfill is the top man-made producer of methane, a gas that’s 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. We send about 254 million tons of trash to the landfill each year.
On the contrary, recycling facilities allow us to reuse existing materials rather than creating virgin textiles. While they’re not perfect either, they play a major role in keeping landfill waste down. By choosing things like recyclable rubber mats for your vehicle, you can do your individual part to change the status quo.
If you’re wondering which brand to go for, consider none other than WeatherTech. They recycle all unused raw materials and promote that the mats themselves are recyclable. As for their sourcing practices, they stay within the US — which cuts way down on resources used during the supply chain process.
LED Lights, even if your car didn’t come with them
A huge portion of new cars come with LED lights because they’re more efficient and provide a crisper view. If you have an older vehicle or your car didn’t come with them, you can always upgrade your set.
Upgrading to LED headlights can reduce the amount of power your headlights require from your vehicle to run. The brighter light keeps you safe while the bulb’s longevity helps you avoid having to wastefully purchase a second pair.
Purchase an LED conversion kit or visit your local auto body shop to make the eco-friendly switch.
It’s a small eco-friendly car accessory that makes a bold difference.
Ride in sustainable style with eco-friendly car accessories
Whether it be a gift for a friend or an investment for yourself, eco-friendly car accessories make for a valuable purchase. And you don’t even have to go full EV to reap their rewards.
What is your reaction?
One of the simplest ways to make your car as environmentally friendlier (more friendly, that is, no car is going to be good) is to make sure your tires are properly filled. Underfilled tires make your engine run more inefficiently.
This is an amazing tip, Tommy!
Under or overinflated tires is one of the most common issues with most vehicles on the road. Do your research and make sure you add pressure within the levels suggested on your driver door sticker next to your VIN. This also means if you drive aggressively (100mph) or more, then the tires will also have a suggested pressure. For trucks, if you are towing or loaded there is an additional suggested tire pressure range. Look at your door sticker, and check your manual. Tire pressure is also a tuning tool for handling as well as efficiency.
Anyway, off to the air pump…
Waterless car wash is awesome
The waterless car wash was so intriguing to me I had to click on the link. I read the description and wonder if it would work on a truly dirty car or just the small in between washes. For the first time in my life, I don’t have access to a hose at my home. So I tend to wash my car less, since I was always a do it yourself kind of girl. I have put this on the list to buy on my next trip to the store and try it out.
Waterless car wash was pretty interesting. Amazing how much you can do to make your car more eco friendly.
I really like Weathertech, because all of the products they make will fit your vehicle PERFECTLY. They are a US company, and I think it is important we support them for this reason also. https://www.weathertech.com/
Same! I have their floor mats, pet seat cover AND even got the cupfone for Christmas LOL.
Don’t underestimate a led bulb upgrade, Led bulbs will instantly improve the look of your vehicle and make it appear newer.
The waterless car wash is great but you have to use it correctly, you must first wash your car well with water because if your car is very dirty, and you don’t rinse it you can scratch your paint. So I recommend a good wash than as long as you use the waterless carwash very regularly it will be great. It’s not the kind of product you can use if you only wash your car once a week or every few weeks. I also love the weather tech mats, we have the trunk mat in both our cars.
Totally agree. You need to keep up with the waterless car wash or you can end up scratching the paint. Still a great product though.
These are all really great ideas but the waterless car wash is my favorite.