Join Zipcar and Earn 500 Amtrak Points + $50 Driving Credit

Now through July 31, 2009, get 500 Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points and a $50 free driving credit when you join Zipcar.

Imagine a car right outside your door that can be yours at a moment's notice for a few hours or the entire day. Imagine a Zipcard that's your key to thousands of cars worldwide, including hundreds right here in the Bay Area. Imagine saving more than $500/month and still getting to enjoy all the benefits of having a car, plus bonus points added to your account. With Zipcar you have access to hybrids, MINIs, pickup trucks and more. All with gas, insurance and 180 miles per day included. And once you’re registered, you start earning points with every driving dollar you spend. Click here to sign up and enter promotion code ZipAGR2009 when you apply.

Rent a Hybrid at SFO and Save $15

San Francisco International has launched the nation's first Green Rental Car program that rewards customers for renting "green" alternative-fueled vehicles. Customers who rent a hybrid at SFO from a participating rental car agency will receive a $15 discount at the counter. According to the flysfo website, it is estimated that more than 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year will be eliminated through the implementation of this program.

Participating car rental companies are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrify. Click here for more information.

Emirates Launches San Francisco Service Today

The inaugural flight between San Francisco and Dubai will also go down in the books as the world's longest green flight trial

At 3:45 PM today, Emirates Airlines will launch nonstop service between San Francisco and Dubai. The 16-hour flight will, at least initially, operate three times a week utilizing brand new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, featuring luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for Economy Class guests. 

But today's flight is much more than the debut of a top notch premium airline. The flight from SFO later today is also a trial to launch a new environmental program to execute the world's longest green journey. Simply put, it means rolling out the most environmentally-sophisticated route and trip possible to save an estimated 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions. 

Specifically, today's inaugural flight will demonstrate many fuel and emission saving measures including:

• The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag.
• A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing. 
• Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace.
• The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn.
• All on-board glass, newspapers, aluminium and paper will be collecting for recycling.

Passengers traveling through San Francisco Airport today will have an opportunity to see the new Emirates aircraft parked at the International terminal. The scheduled arrival time from Dubai is 1pm. Immediately following the arrival, local media will attend a press conference on the new service and best practices in Eco-efficient air travel. 

For more information on Emirates and the world's longest green flight, visit www.emirates.com.

Also Read: "Emirates Airlines' flying to S.F raises issues" -SFGate

Wild Wonders Sweepstakes Offers Trips To Four Continents

Register for the Wild Wonders Sweepstakes for a chance to win five trips to four continents. Walk among millions of King penguins, safari on the Serengeti, swim with sea lions, get up-close-and-personal with polar bears and experience the wonders of the Amazon and Machu Picchu. The winner will embark a new journey each year, all taking place within a five year window.

Natural Habitat Adventures, rated a 2008 World's Best Tour Operator by Travel+Leisure magazine, will be leading each expedition.

Click here to enter

Finding "Green" Rental Cars Made Easy

The demand for fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly rental cars continues to rise, just as the price of gas continues to pinch consumers wallets. The larger car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz and Enterprise all offer "green" vehicles, but availability can vary from city-to-city, as traditional cars make up a larger portion of the overall rental fleet in most cities.

Not the case with EV Rental Cars. Established in 1998, EV Rental Cars was the first company to offer a fleet of all-environmental hybrid-electric vehicles. These cars often get more than 55 miles per gallon, compared to traditional rental cars which average 15-25 mpg. Now drivers have the ability to reduce air pollution while saving money at the pump. As an added bonus, Hybrid vehicles are permitted to drive in the Carpool lane throughout California.

Visit www.evrental.com for more information and to book your next car rental.

Advantage Rent A Car To Offer 100% 'Green' Fleet

In a press release Wednesday, Advantage Rent A Car announced they plan on becoming America's first 100% green rental car fleet. "Our single ownership and nimble fleet size provide us the ability to make a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint in the United States," says Denny Hecker, Chairman of Advantage Rent A Car. "Advantage will offer its customers an environmentally friendly rental alternative, while trying to make a difference in the places where our customers live."

Advantage's commitment is to turn 100% of its fleet "green" over the next 24 months subject to manufacturers' assistance and vehicle availability.

Although the company does not currently offer rentals in the San Francisco Bay Area, they do have more than 100 locations throughout the United States.