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Rental car options help fuel
environmental awareness
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By Stephanie E. Ponder
FOR ENVIRONMEN TALLY conscious citizens, following certain steps to take care of
the planet is a no-brainer. ;ese steps include
recycling more, using less electricity and driving less. But what happens when you have to
drive—particularly if you need to rent a car?
Luckily, car-rental companies are stepping
up their e;orts to make driving as environmentally friendly as possible. When choosing
a rental company, look for the following.
Hybrid cars. Hybrid cars have two engines: a standard gasoline engine and an electric motor. ;e gas engine turns o; when the
car is running at a constant speed and when
the car is on but not moving. ;is cuts down
on both pollution and gas consumption.
Popular hybrid models include the Nissan
Altima, among others.
Fuel ef;ciency. Ideally, any car you
drive should be rated 7. 35 litres per 100 kilometres for highway driving.
GETTING AHEAD IN
business today requires
staying creative. Besides the traditional
approaches to marketing, many savvy
companies are using customized merchandise to promote their businesses
or as employee incentives.
Customized items can be used to
help advertise a business, reward
employees, commemorate special events,
roll out new product lines and promote
many other business initiatives.
COURTESY OF BRYMARK
Vehicle age. Newer, well-maintained
vehicles get better mileage. ;is includes factors such as clear air ;lters, tires with the
proper air pressure and, quite simply, cars
that have been washed.
Since 2005, Costco and Brymark
Flex-fuel options. Look for vehicles that
can use E85 ethanol ;ex fuel—a combination
of ethanol and gasoline. Its use can reduce not
only gasoline consumption, but also carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions.
Because ethanol is water soluble, non-toxic
and biodegradable, E85 contains fewer potential contaminants than gasoline does.
Promotions Inc. have been helping small-
business members make connections
with their customers and employees
through Costco’s Custom
Logo Merchandise Program.
Toll-collection services. Cars that use
electronic toll-collection services, such as EZ
From clothing to umbrel-
las, key chains to mugs and
pens to bags, Brymark works with
business owners to determine which
items best fit their company’s needs.
To learn more about Brymark
Promotions and the Logo Merchandise
NOT ONLY IS IT nice to be
green, it’s nice to save some green
too. Between May 1 and August 31,
Program, pick up a brochure at your local
warehouse, visit www.brymark.com/
costco or call 1-800-429-3019.—SEP
Costco members who rent from Budget can
get $50 off a minimum six-day rental including
Toll or EZ Pass, not only save travellers time
by skipping cash payment lines, they also
help the environment. By eliminating long
queues and the need to come to a full stop
and then start up again, electronic toll passes
help cut down on fuel consumption and
harmful hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide
and nitrogen oxide emissions.
GPS or $20 off a minimum six-day rental without
a GPS unit. These savings are in addition to the
exclusive savings of 5 to 25 per cent off car rentals
for Costco members at participating locations in
Fuel storage. Car-rental companies need to have fuel on hand to
Canada, the U.S. and overseas. Executive Members
receive a complimentary one-car-class upgrade, and
pay no extra charges for one additional driver and no
surcharges for drivers between the ages 21 and 24.
For more information, go to Costco.ca, select
“Services” and then “Car Rentals,” or call
1-866-462-8348.
;ll their ;eet. While it may not be
obvious, these businesses can take
several steps to lessen their environ-
mental impact. For example, what
is the company doing to prevent
spills during storage and fuel load-
ing? Do their fuel-storage tanks
have double walls, do they have over;ll pro-
tection and are they made from corrosion-
resistant materials? What safeguards are in
place to detect leaks and control vapours to
minimize air emissions?
“Saving on the cost of a rental car and
protecting the environment at the same time
makes good business sense,” says Peggy Allen,
Costco Executive Membership assistant buyer.
“At Costco we strive to participate in responsible resource use.” C
