... On High Gas Prices

Gas is expensive, and people are almost angry enough to do something about it. The trick is figuring exactly what to do. You could drive around town with a bullhorn out your window explaining your feelings, or drive to Washington DC to take part in a protest. In a symbolic gesture, you could simply buy several gallons of gasoline and pour them out on your lawn. The old standard, watching a lot of TV and complaining a lot could work as well.

A final option is to consider the possibility that you are not the object of high gas prices… but the reason they’re high. That’s right: your day to day habits contribute to the price of gasoline. Changing your lifestyle in just a few ways could improve your health, save you money, and have a positive impact on the environment. Consider some of these options this summer.

Carpool (or walk) to work: Not everyone lives close enough to walk to the office, but it's surprising how much money a person can save by simply eliminated work related driving. Anyone within a mile or two from work (depending on the climate and the neighborhood) should at least consider walking to work. As far as a carpool, a little organizational effort can really make a difference. Carpooling decreases costs, increases office camaraderie, and thins out that often-crowded workplace parking lot. 

Share rides to other places, like parties and the grocery store: Take a little initiative, using gas prices as an excuse to bond with friends. This technique doesn't necessarily work so well for the mother of five, who already has a full vehicle, but single people should seriously consider single car group trips to places like the movies and the mall. Parents might try organizing a group for kids’ summer sports. The key is to build a mutually beneficial, reciprocal program.

Consider a bicycle: Bicycles aren't for everyone, and their passenger options lack gusto. Switching to a bike even for basic errands, however, can be a great way to avoid the stop and go traffic that uses so much gasoline. Relying primarily on my bicycle last fall and this spring, I managed to spare myself more than 500 miles of in-town driving.

Support public transportation: Public transportation needs public support, or it fails. Walking, biking, and carpooling all help the individual consumer, but buses, trains, and other public transportation options are great ways to get where you're going fast without filling your tank. You also avoid the hassle off finding a parking place.

Demand options: Instead of asking Congress to lower gas prices with legislation, ask your leaders to support a level playing field for alternative energy. The federal government subsidizes oil companies and provides tax breaks for the largest, least efficient motor vehicles. Press your leaders to take a stand in favor of sustainable, renewable energy sources, clean power plants, and environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure.

Set a mileage limit for your vacation: Bad as it sounds, a great way to save money on gas this summer will be to modify your vacation plans. Identify something fun to do that's closer to home than you might like, and pocket the extra gas money. In the past, high gas prices haven't altered consumer usage. Change the system by changing your plans.

Ditch your SUV: Sorry, guys. You can't complain about gas prices if you purposefully drive a vehicle that gets bad mileage. If you have nine kids or a boat to tow, you might need to use a Suburban a few times a year. But switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle is a sure way to curb costs and have an effect on the economy. The up-front cost of the decision becomes an investment, which will pay off as prices continue to rise.

Give up one child for adoption, use excess funds to pay for gas: If changing your transportation patterns sounds too hard, there's always the adoption option. With one less child, you'll lose an annual tax break, but you'll save on food, Christmas gifts, and medical costs. That's "cash in hand" to support your fuel addiction.