Gas prices are soaring as of late, and are around $4.00 per gallon in Kentucky. There are several explanations for this, but one which I most likely consider is fuel companies are price gouging because they can. Have you ever noticed how gas prices go up substantially around holidays? This is because fuel companies know people are traveling, and they can make a few extra bucks. Despite the rise in gas prices, people have still not been deterred from filling up. In fact, every time I pass a gas station, almost all of the pumps are packed!
Fear tactics are currently being used to drive American fuel consumption, i.e., these companies, courtesy of the media, are scaring the American public into using their cars as much as possible, and buying as much gas as possible before its all gone (Think “gas shortage” of the 1970’s). EcoKY advises to take this news with a grain of salt, and manage your fear . Earlier this week a gas station sold out of gas in Louisville, Ky, and most definitely in countless places across the U.S.
EcoKY offers six alternatives to protect your wallet, the environment, and of course you–from your own fear:
TALK THE TALK, NOW WALK THE WALK
1.Stop making unnecessary trips. Plan your day out so you can complete as much as you can in each part of town while you are in that neck of the woods. Take a lesson in list making, planning, or anal-retentiveness from your favorite OCD friend you always like to pick on. These people exist to remind us of how frivolous and wasteful we can be. Think back to the good ol’ days when you didn’t have to be a ga-zillion places at once, before cell phones, when it was okay if you forgot something at the store or at your house. Innovate, Improvise, and Be Resourceful!
2. Car-pool. Carpooling is a great way to catch up with your friends, co-workers, etc., and a great way to save money. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers about their plans for traveling–even to the grocery store. Maybe you could all go together…and chip in for gas. Biggest pet peeve: Driving down the road and seeing car after SUV after car with a total of one person in them. Wasteful and Pointless!
3. Grab a bus schedule. Cities and towns provide public transportation because it is efficient, timely, and can accommodate many of its’ citizens. While living in several national metropolitan areas, I utilized the public transportation system, and found it to be clean, on time, cheap, and efficient. The only thing that I found disconcerting, believe it or not, was when I was the only person on the bus?!? Taking the bus or subway can also be a stress reliever–think no road rage, no accidents, and no expensive damage or wear and tear on your car!
4. Walk. If your destination is only a few blocks away, why not hoof it? Many people have made this suggestion before, but it may hit home alittle more now than ever with such high gas prices in the U.S. Plus walking is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It gives you time to think about things, meditate, and stay cardio-vascular healthy.
5. Ride a bicycle. Using a bike to commute is awesome. This is also a prime mode of transportation in urban areas–even in many rural areas, as well. Bicycles get you from point A to point B faster than walking, and they cost substantially less than gas these days. Investing in a decent bike would probably cost the same as two full SUV tanks of gas, by today’s standards. Bikes are a big money saver and the return on the investment will be huge!
6. Invest in a motor scooter. 50cc scooters are a great way to save money. They are fuel efficient, getting 80 to 90 miles per gallon! Myself, my family, and friends don’t know where we would be without our scooters. Probably a lot more financially stressed! Scooters are a safe and effective way to get around town, and do not require a license, insurance, or a helmet to drive. But, if you are planning on going the scooter route, we suggest wearing a helmet. It would be a pretty dumb way to die…considering you could have just worn a helmet! Better safe than sorry! The only draw back is that scooters cannot be driven on the interstate, but re-routing gives you the opportunity to see places you wouldn’t ordinarily see, and take in the area a bit more!