Key Assumptions
Carbon Emissions per Gallon of Gasoline = 0.0088 metric tons of CO2 (Source U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) 1 metric ton = 2,204.6 pounds
Each vehicle emits 5.46 metric tons (12,037 lbs.) of CO2E annually (Source U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
How We Estimate Your Savings
Round-trip mileage average fuel economy gasoline used in one trip
Gallons of gasoline used number of trips/year = Gallons of Gasoline (annual)
Gallons of gasoline used average price of gasoline = Fuel Costs (annual)
Total gasoline .008 2204.6 = Carbon Dioxide savings (in metric tons)
Carbon dioxide savings 2204.6 = Pounds of Carbon Dioxide savings (annual)
Our mpg values
The following fuel economy values are based on U.S. EPA data:
About our mpg values
The above fuel economy values are likely to overestimate the efficiency of your vehicle, since data is from new cars, pickups and SUVs. So your savings will be underestimated somewhat as a result.
*The car values were derived from EPA combined city/highway fuel efficiency data for new 1990-2007 models. We excluded hybrid models. Source: Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2007, EPA, Sept. 2007. The report is available at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm.
**The pickup truck value is an average of EPA combined city/highway fuel efficiency data for 142 2008 models. We assume 50/50 city/highway driving. We excluded E85 models. Data for each pickup represented is available using the pull-down menu at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm.
***The sport utility vehicle truck value is an average of EPA combined city/highway fuel efficiency data for 330 2008 models. We assume 50/50 city/highway driving. We excluded hybrid and E85 models. Data for each SUV represented is available using the pull-down menu at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm.
Other Data
An average U.S. household emits 11.33 metric tons (24,978 lbs.) of CO2 per year, or 68 lbs. per day (Source U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Tree — The 23.2 lbs of carbon per tree is based on savings over a 10-year period, beginning from the time of planting (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Our mission is to deliver now — and for future generations. With every step we take, we are committed to leaving a "green" footprint across the American landscape. The Postal Service has a long history of environmental stewardship. We are pioneers in using alternative fuel-capable vehicles. We support recycling programs and we offer eco-friendly products and services. We're working with customers to reduce mail that's undeliverable, and we’re working with other delivery companies to move mail and packages on shared transportation, saving on energy costs and consumption.
We not only can lead by example, we can empower the American people to go green too.
- The Postal Service has the largest civilian alternate fuel vehicle fleet in the nation.
- The Postal Service is the only shipping company that has earned Cradle to CradleSM Certification for the environmentally-friendly design and manufacturing of its boxes and envelopes.
- We’ve received 39 White House Closing the Circle Awards in recognition of our environmental stewardship.