Toyota Prius/Acura TL comparisson
Introduction
I try to make good choices to help protect the environment. I recycle everything I can. I keep my house cold in the winter and warm in the summer. I keep my lights turned off when I don’t need them. I rarely use plastic cups or paper plates. However, I cannot see how I could decrease the use of my car because I live in … and I have to go to … to earn my degree.
Problem
An automobile’s emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon dioxide, and cars pollute when they are built, driven, and scrapped.
Purpose & Scope
I chose for my project to research what could be the best option for the environment and my wallet, keeping my 2002 Acura TL or to buy a new Prius. I will write a report on my gas mileage with my Acura and forecast with a new Prius. I will explain how the manufacture of a new Prius may hurt the environment. I will look at different ways I could save on gas without having to buy a new car. I will write on the monetary and environmental cost of changing cars, and compare the cost of keeping my car. I will not be comparing my Acura to other cars, but to the Prius.
Assumptions
My research is based on the assumption that I would drive 15,000 miles per year. The average price of gas would be $3.50 for premium for the Acura TL and $3.30 for regular for the Toyota Prius.
Research Methods
I found the information in this report in articles from journals and a government website. I also interviewed Kyln Mitchell, a salesman from Byers Toyota, and I kept track of my gas consumption.
The Dilemma of Driving Green
Effect of Driving
Cars’ emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect. In the article, “Energy Chain Analysis of Passenger Car Transport”, Morten Simonsen wrote that 20 percent of the world’s energy is used for transport, and the energy consumption worldwide is growing every year. On average, a car running six miles on gasoline produces 1388 of CO²-equivalents,
I try to make good choices to help protect the environment. I recycle everything I can. I keep my house cold in the winter and warm in the summer. I keep my lights turned off when I don’t need them. I rarely use plastic cups or paper plates. However, I cannot see how I could decrease the use of my car because I live in … and I have to go to … to earn my degree.
Problem
An automobile’s emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon dioxide, and cars pollute when they are built, driven, and scrapped.
Purpose & Scope
I chose for my project to research what could be the best option for the environment and my wallet, keeping my 2002 Acura TL or to buy a new Prius. I will write a report on my gas mileage with my Acura and forecast with a new Prius. I will explain how the manufacture of a new Prius may hurt the environment. I will look at different ways I could save on gas without having to buy a new car. I will write on the monetary and environmental cost of changing cars, and compare the cost of keeping my car. I will not be comparing my Acura to other cars, but to the Prius.
Assumptions
My research is based on the assumption that I would drive 15,000 miles per year. The average price of gas would be $3.50 for premium for the Acura TL and $3.30 for regular for the Toyota Prius.
Research Methods
I found the information in this report in articles from journals and a government website. I also interviewed Kyln Mitchell, a salesman from Byers Toyota, and I kept track of my gas consumption.
The Dilemma of Driving Green
Effect of Driving
Cars’ emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect. In the article, “Energy Chain Analysis of Passenger Car Transport”, Morten Simonsen wrote that 20 percent of the world’s energy is used for transport, and the energy consumption worldwide is growing every year. On average, a car running six miles on gasoline produces 1388 of CO²-equivalents,
Cited: Martineck, Michael. "Cash for Clunkers: The Environmental Cost of a New Car." New Car Reviews, Ratings & Pricing, Auto News for New Models. 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. . McManus, M.C. "Environmental Consequences Of The Use Of Batteries In Low Carbon Systems: The Impact Of Battery Production." Applied Energy 93.(2012): 288-295. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. Mitchell, Kyln. "Car Dealership." Personal interview. 16 Nov. 2012. Nourreddine, Menad. "Recycling of Auto Shredder Residue." Journal of Hazardous Materials 139.3 (2007): 481-90. Print. Simonsen, Morten, and Hans Jakob Walnum. "Energy Chain Analysis Of Passenger Car Transport." Energies (19961073) 4.2 (2011): 324-351. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. U.S. Government. "Gas Mileage Tips - Driving More Efficiently." Fuel Economy. U.S. Department of Energy. Web. 03 Apr. 2012. .