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Amid environmental concerns, the automotive industry plays an important role in resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. While new cars are often equipped with advanced technology and better fuel efficiency, they still come with an upfront cost of resources and emissions. One way to reduce this impact is by purchasing a pre-owned car. In this blog, we’ll explore how buying a used car can benefit the environment and support a more sustainable future.
1. Reducing manufacturing waste
When manufacturing a new car, the production process inevitably generates waste. This waste can come from material cutting, assembly, painting, and other aspects of the manufacturing process. It includes leftover materials like metal shavings, excess chemicals, and scraps from fabrics and plastics. This process not only uses up raw materials and generates waste, but also contributes to carbon emissions.
By choosing a pre-owned car, you reduce the need for new manufacturing so fewer resources are extracted, less energy is used, and less waste is created. Every used car purchased helps extend the life of vehicles already on the road, leading to a smaller environmental footprint.
2. Lowering your carbon footprint
The production of a new car involves a significant amount of energy, often powered by fossil fuels, which leads to the release of greenhouse gasses. On the other hand, a used car has already made its environmental impact during its production. The average passenger vehicle in the U.S. emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. While the number might sound high, it’s still lower than the estimated 5.6 tons emitted from producing one car.
By opting for a pre-owned vehicle, you avoid the emissions that come with making a new car. While used cars still produce emissions when driven, the overall impact is lower since the major environmental cost of production has already been paid.
3. Conserving natural resources
Making new cars requires extracting large quantities of natural resources from the Earth. One study found that “5.23 kg of raw materials and energy resources are required to produce 1 kg of vehicle.”
Not only are many of these resources finite but gathering them also poses a threat to the environment. Mining and processing resources like aluminum and cobalt result in environmental harm and emissions before the resources even arrive at a vehicle manufacturer.
Because these resources are geographically dependent, (the aluminum used to make your car’s engine is primarily sourced from Guinea, Australia, Vietnam, and Jamaica) there are significant fuel and carbon costs involved in just getting them to the automakers. When you buy a pre-owned car, you help conserve these resources and protect the land around them.
4. Energy efficiency and longevity
The production of new cars is energy-intensive, consuming large amounts of electricity and fuel for every new vehicle being made. “According to the Swiss scientific publication MDPI, it takes more than 55,000 MJ (megajoules) to produce a single car.” To put that number into perspective, 55,000 MJ is equivalent to 15,200 kilowatts (kWh). The average American household uses about 870 kWh per month. In short, the energy used to make one car could power your home for almost two months.
Maintaining and driving a used car eliminates the energy demand associated with new-car production. This not only cuts down on energy use but also promotes the efficient use of existing resources. It’s also worth noting that while electric cars demand more energy and materials in their production compared to traditional vehicles, they’re proven to be more efficient in the long run.
5. Reducing landfill waste
When cars are discarded, they often end up in landfills, where metal, plastic, and other parts will decompose. While some parts will disintegrate relatively quickly and leave little to no trace, others will produce harmful byproducts that can leak into the soil or groundwater. Some car parts, like the engine block, plastics, and glass, can take hundreds or thousands of years to fully decompose.
Buying and maintaining used cars helps decrease the number of vehicles being thrown away. Fewer new cars being made means fewer old cars being discarded prematurely. This practice reduces the strain on landfills and lowers the environmental impact of car disposal. It also helps preserve the rich history of rare and classic automobiles.
6. Supporting a circular economy
A circular economy is all about reusing, repairing, and recycling products to minimize waste and extend the life of materials. Purchasing a used car fits perfectly with this model, as it promotes the reuse of existing vehicles instead of making new ones. Supporting a circular economy through your car purchase not only helps the environment but also encourages responsible consumer habits.
If you’re thinking about buying a used car, but don’t know where to start, click the links below to explore our used car guides. We’ve assembled information on the best places to buy used cars online, how to know you’re making a quality purchase and more.
Tips for buying a used car
13 Best Used Car Websites in 2024
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The Benefits of Pre-Purchase Inspections for Used Car Buyers
When it comes to a major investment like a new (or new-to-you) car, leave the inspection to the pros. Find out why you should always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before you buy a used car.
How to Avoid Buying a Car with Water Damage in 2024
Every year, cars with water damage wash up on used car listings. Learn how to spot flooded or water-damaged cars and avoid costly repairs down the road.
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car Online
Know what can go wrong when buying a used car online. This blog will equip you with the knowledge to avoid scams and speed bumps during your car-buying journey.
Nationwide auto transport for car buyers
Montway Auto Transport is here to help with simple and efficient car shipping solutions. With nationwide car shipping services, you can find the perfect used car in any state and have it conveniently delivered to your location. We’ve proudly served over 1 million customers and have earned a 4.7 star average across 100,000 online reviews.
Learn more about how car shipping works and how much it costs to ship a car. For more information, answers to questions, or to book your order, contact us any time. Montway representatives are available 365 days a year at 888-666-8929 or via LiveChat.
