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Realistic approaches to high fuel costs !
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Posted by Alberta Mike on May 21, 2004 at 18:03:42 from (209.47.89.106):
Let's face it, the "boycots" that are discussed are merely pie in the sky sorts of thoughts. They just aren't going to work. Gas is going to get more expensive, no doubt about it. We can complain about government and the oil companies and everything else inbetween and nothing is going to happen. But there are things that each one of us can do do reduce our own individual fuel costs regardless of the pump prices. First, we've got to make a sincere effort to drive less miles every week. For some this is difficult but for many of us, there are ways to do it. We can do things like doubling up on trips (get two or three things done each time), carpooling, walk or use a bicycle for short hauls, staying closer to home for holidays, just staying home instead of going out, etc. For some, public transit is an option that many of us don't even consider. Sure it's slow and inconvenient but we're the ones complaining about driving costs right? Then, how about buying a cheaper car/truck? Some people seem to get by with a 12-year-old vehicle, how about us? I know it isn't any cheaper to operate but if you've got an extra $500 each month that you're not paying on a new one, gas seems pretty cheap. Do you really need that $40000 unit you're driving, or that gas-guzzling monster? By the way, SUV owners seem to get blamed for everything these days but the big pickup trucks are worse for fuel consumption. How about a small 4-door family sedan? Sound impossible? We might suprise ourselves if we try it. How about cutting back from 3 vehicles to 2, or from 2 to one? Lots of cost reduction there in insurance and maintenance costs so gas at least would seem cheaper. How about changing our lifestyles? Go out less to movies, eating out, etc. Maybe even get out a board game and play checkers with the kids instead of some of those things. Eat more meals at home, buy a case of beer instead of paying 5 X's as much for a drink at the local watering hole? Lot's more money in your pocket and gas prices won't seem all that bad. Our kids (maybe it's us) are also a problem. Do we really need to have our 17-year-old son or daughter driving our family car (or their own car) just to make life easier for them? When was the last time they walked anywhere or took the bus? Is it really necessary for us to have every evening of the week planned out for our youngsters (which includes driving them hither and yon to particupate in things which we feel they absolutely need)? Well, that's my turn on the soapbox, I'm not doing all of that stuff but I am trying some of it and I feel pretty good doing it and don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
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