Book Review: "Beat High Gas Prices Now!"
by Erin Courtenay - Rome, Italy on 01.10.06
Our poll on driving habits revealed that many of us are in a hurry to get where we're going. Unfortunately for us speedy TreeHuggers, exceeding the speed limit is not a hallmark of eco-driving, nor is it a wise way to save money on gas. In "Beat High Gas Prices Now!" environmental lifestyle expert Diane MacEachern provides us with a whole host of tips on saving money and limiting the impact of our driving on the planet. The guide is written in a pithy, positive voice that, unlike many environmental missives, is free of guilt inducing language about the evils of driving and fossil fuel addiction. That isn't to say that Ms. MacEachern doesn't address the ecological consequences of cars, but she does so in a way that will make sense to drivers unused to considering the environmental implications of their everyday choices. She even slips in a simple but compelling chapter on the foolishness of drilling in the arctic. Read on to take a look at the book's Top 10 Ways to Beat High Gas Prices…
1. Drive smart.
Avoid quick starts and stops, use cruise control on the highway, and don't idle.
2. Drive the speed limit.
Remember that every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional 10 cents per gallon for gas.
3. Drive less.
Walk, bicycle, use a scooter or a moped, combine trips, and telecommute.
4. Drive a more fuel-efficient car.
Consider one of the new hybrids; at the very least, choose from among the Environmental Protection Agency's "Fuel Economy Leaders" in the class vehicle you are considering.
5. Keep your engine tuned up.
Improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent by maintaining your vehicle in top condition.
6. Carpool.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 32 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if every car carried just one more passenger on its daily commute.
7. Use mass transit and "Ride Share" programs.
Why pay for gasoline at all?
8. Keep tires properly inflated.
Improve mileage by about 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Replace worn tires with the same make and model as the originals.
9. Buy the cheapest gas you can find.
Buy gas in the morning, from wholesale shopper's clubs, and using gasoline rebate cards. Track neighborhood prices on gasbuddy.com and gaspricewatch.com.
10. Support higher congressionally mandated standards and the development of alternative fuels.
Ultimately, our best hope for beating the gas crisis is to increase fuel efficiency while we transition to renewable and nonpetroleum-based fuels. Endorse efforts to boost average fuel efficiency to at least 40 mph. Support programs that promote research and development of alternatives to transportation systems based on oil.
To get more handy tips on eco-living check out The World Women Want, Diane MacEachern's fantastic site for women.
Yes buy gas in the cool of the morning, cuts evaprotive emmisions amoung other things. DO NOT buy the cheapest gas you can find, I and others have tested this and found that you get better MPG from "good gas". Cheap gas also has the min required detergents. Using good gas will keep the car in a better state of tune as the injectors will be cleaner. Cleaner injectors lead to better running more effecent engine and hence better MPG.
Tim, when you say "good gas" what do you mean? High octane vs. the 87 octane I put in the Toyota? Or a name brand station like Shell ,Exxon etc.. I have to admit I put in the 87 octain at 7-11 when I need gas on the way to work.
Thanks
Sorry I should have been clear, 87 is fine if that is all your car needs, buying higher octain fuel is a waste of money if not required. The difference in gas is the additive package, the major brands Exxon/Mobil, Shell etc. provide a better additive package. One test my motorcycling buddies and I did was try diffrent brands of gas and we found that the "cheap gas" that you get from Speedway etc. gave us less miles per tank than Shell or Mobil. In my bike it was about 20 less miles from a full tank. At the same time I found the bike ran better on name brand gas.
Great tips, but ultimately we need to change the way we think about mobility. When travelling locally why not take a bike or scooter. If you need a boost then an electric bike, electric scooter or a Segway. For longer distances EV's, hybrids, etc. are a great option.
Great tips, but ultimately we need to change the way we think about mobility. When travelling locally why not take a bike or scooter. If you need a boost then an electric bike, electric scooter or a Segway. For longer distances EV's, hybrids, etc. are a great option.