Ways to Reduce Gas Consumption that Don’t Involve Your Car
Obviously, the best way to keep the prices down is to reduce consumption; which in turn means a bigger supply. But, buying fuel efficient cars or adjusting your driving habits aren’t always the best options.
That’s why, today, I would like to offer a few simple lifestyle changes that will help reduce the amount of gas you consume that don’t involve your car.
Mow your lawn less. When people talk about gas consumption, they naturally refer to their vehicles. But, most equipment you use on your lawn, from your mower to your weed eater also use gasoline. Since the gas tanks on those are smaller, it’s easy to overlook those. But, I know my mower goes through a tank each time I mow my lawn and, over the course of the spring and summer, that can add up; especially when you realize there are millions of others doing the same thing.
While you obviously can’t stop mowing the lawn, it’s not going to kill you to mow it a bit less often. I, for example, only mow mine once every 10-14 days rather than every week like my neighbors do. And, you can’t tell the difference.
Pay your bills online. Not every creditor offers this option but they should. It uses gas to deliver the bill to you and it uses gas for you to mail the payment in. If the company offers you the option of receiving and paying your bill electronically, do it. If everyone did, it would have a significant impact.
While you’re at it, take the time to opt out of the junk mail you’re receiving. Along with the bills, the daily junk mail you likely receive is requiring the post office to burn gas delivering it. Take a few moments to opt out of the mailers. Many companies allow you to do this on-line. And, if you don’t want to do that individually, there are sites like opt-out.cdt.org that will help you with the process.
Shop locally rather than buy online. OK, you’re going to use some gas going to the store. But, you’re not going to consume as much as the delivery truck coming from another state with your package. If you can find the item locally, buy it locally. Chances are the price difference is minimal. If you can’t find it locally, see if the store you’re ordering from offers a site-to-store delivery option (walmart.com is one that does). That way, your item is being delivered with a normal weekly shipment and isn’t consuming any more gas than would normally be used.
