Despite recent advances, car manufacturers have been painfully slow to produce eco-savvy cars that get the most mileage for their fuel. In 1987, the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks peaked at 22 and one-tenth miles per gallon (mpg); 20 years later (in 2006), the average fuel economy for passenger cars hit 21 mpg. Surely 20 years of technological advancement could do better than that?

But with gas prices continuing to soar, the American addiction to oil is not just painful financially; it is also painful to the environment, polluting the air, water, and soils. Car manufacturers are finally getting the message that Americans want greener cars that save money and save the planet.

But even if you don't yet have one of these eco-cars, you can make better decisions about what and how you drive to minimize your impact on the Earth.

• Slow down: One of the best ways to improve your fuel efficiency is to stay at or below a speed limit of 55 miles per hour when you drive. For every five miles per hour above 55 that you drive you reduce your fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

• Carpool: Pair up with a friend or a colleague (or two) and share rides to work, school, and even the grocery store. You will save money at the pump and at the parking lot, and significantly cut back on polluting vehicle emissions.

• Be a smooth driver: Drive smoothly to get the most out of your fuel economy. Avoid jack-rabbit starts, aggressive driving, and hard breaking. Also, resist the temptation to speed.

• Plan ahead: Planning ahead to combine trips when possible will save you time, money, and energy. A cold engine pollutes up to five times more than one that is warmed up. So combining several short trips into one can make a big difference for the planet.

• Lighten up: Is your car a rolling closet, housing everything from spare clothes to sports equipment to groceries? All of that excess weight could be affecting your fuel economy. It takes about 100 extra pounds to reduce your fuel economy by 1 percent. So, if you just have a few extra pairs of shoes rolling around, don't sweat it. But if you are carting a load of heavy recycling, it might be time to clean it out.

• No American “idles”: Newer cars do not have to be warmed up like older models, so there is no need to allow you car to idle in the driveway anymore. Turn off your ignition any time you will be stopped or parked for more than a few minutes. In the winter, use a reflective windshield shade to help reduce frost and save you elbow grease with the scraper.

• Cruise: If your car has a cruise control feature, use it to maximize your fuel economy. At highway speeds, using cruise control can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent.

• Park it: When you park, protect your car from the elements and it won't have to work as hard to heat up or cool down. In the summer, park in the shade or use a reflective windshield shade to keep your car cool and reduce fuel evaporation. If you have access to a garage, use it to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter.