Can environment-friendly really battle global warming? If we switched to hybrids or solar cars, will the poles freeze again and the ozone layer turn around to how it was?

According to a US based study called the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, 60 percent of the 30 percent of all CO2 emissions come straight from privately owned vehicles and light trucks. Even though the main bad guy attributed to Global Warming is electricity generation, the automobile industry’s contribution is a size scary enough for car manufacturers in Britain and the rest of the world to take an ethical and sensitive stand. And why not? Hybrid cars, Zero-emission vehicles, Flexible-fuel cars, Electric cars, plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles—PHEV, Solar cars, alternate propulsion cars, the list is practically endless and yes, some of these radical contraptions do provide a smooth and comfy ride. Recently, someone in my neighbourhood bought a Toyota Prius, and one of the features that completely surprised me was how soft the engine purrs. With Alistair Darling’s Green budget promise to reward drivers of the cleanest cars, car manufacturers and potential alternative fuel vehicle buyers in England just received a much-needed green push.

As a car owner and enthusiast, I am always curious to learn of the many ‘green’ cars that hit the market and what people are saying about them. The biggest glitch to buying these ethical cars is their below par exteriors. Aesthetically speaking, these babies are not yet ready to be branded as all time classics but take a look at the Honda FCX Concept and you know luxury eco-friendly cars are already in the radar of automobile manufacturers. Chevrolet Sequel is a good-looking green car, else there are other options like the Honda Insight, Lexus RX400h, Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV Honda Civic Hybrid CVT, Toyota Camry Hybrid 4-Door Sedan, Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback SES, Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4X2 etc.

Even better a solution than a owning a hybrid is not owning a car at all. However, until that day comes, hybrid cars are the best option provided by the car industry. The reason hybrid cars win over most of its competition lies in its fuel efficiency. Suppose, you are in a market where repeated stopping and starting is required, this is where the car’s brains begin to work. The electrical engine comes into play by lessening the car’s RPMs, a feature missing in common cars.

Anyone with a slightly environmentally conscious bent of mind knows that Toyota’s brainchild Prius has achieved cult status. Not only does it have a conscience, it also has great performance. If you are still a little unsure, try the Toyota Camry Hybrid while its nifty multi-function display shows your car’s energy consumption. Buying an eco-friendly car is not a big issue. Go through all the options available, servicing facilities, availability of parts, car insurance and other factors.

Don’t be deterred by the costs, in the end it’s about buying an eco-friendly car that harms you and your planet less. Excise duties are lesser too. If you still think your savings are not as significant as moviestars or other celebrities, you can bet your conscience is the same. Do like Leonardo di Caprio, Alicia Silverstone, Jack Nicholson or Cameron Diaz and swap your gas guzzler for one of the many adorable green cars that will lessen your carbon footprint on the planet.

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Tags | celebrity fans, environment friendly cars, Green cars, hybrid cars, plug in hybrid electrical vehicles, Toyota prius, zero emission vehicles