Revisiting "Common Sense..." (1 of 5)

It has been interesting to watch America's changing on-road energy habits over the past year. Since the price of gasoline has eclipsed $4 a gallon, people are driving less (down 2.4% from 2007) and downsizing their rides, SUVs and large trucks are sitting idle on showroom floors, and America's auto industry is on the ropes for not anticipating changing consumer habits (for the second time). While I do fear the impact high gas prices and a depressed economy could have on my family and America’s future, I smile and welcome the changes because the nation is moving in the right direction. It’s just sad that it takes something that appeals to our most primitive motivator (money) to change our ways and not the noble, progressive idea of a greener and less oil dependent America. Oh, well…

Ever since posting the series "Common Sense Things We Can Do to Decrease America's Reliance on Oil (and Save a Few Bucks)", I have wanted to follow up and share some of what my family does to conserve energy and cash. I mean, it’s a little self-righteous and hypocritical for me to post what others can do without participating. Also, Wrong Dog has motivated me to add some personal examples since he began an online diary detailing his family’s attempt to cut its carbon footprint in half. I commend Shane, but I confess that I cringe at quantifying my energy savings as he does. Call me lazy. So, I’ll post examples of how my family is saving money and conserving energy minus the numbers and you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Think Gas Sipper

At the time my wife and I purchased our first automobile together, hybrids and flex-fuel vehicles were not as readily available, not to mention a little outside our budget constraints. Plus, gasoline was less than half what it is now, so there was little economic incentive for us to consider more expensive alternative energy vehicles. That doesn’t mean we weren’t thinking about fuel efficiency, however. We traded in two 10+ year old cars and purchased one new vehicle that we trusted could drive us cross country and get us safely to our new home without breaking the bank.

Now, our family has increased by one, but there is still no need to upgrade in size. Our small sedan fits our small family perfectly and gets us safely from point-A to point-B at 30+ mpg on highway, and 27 mpg overall. Our fuel economy is nothing to brag about, but in Montana it seems any vehicle that gets over 15 mpg is the exception.

Drive Smarter

We are not as extreme as hyper-milers, but my wife and I practice common sense, fuel-efficient driving habits like not over accelerating between stop signs and keeping braking to a minimum. We also consolidate trips. If we forget an item on the list, it will just have to be purchased another day. An interesting note: despite the fact we do not live in a busy town, subconsciously I tend to group my stops so that I minimize the number of left turns, or turns where you have to cross traffic. I admit though, that it is more likely a result of my impatience than a fuel saving technique, but whatever works!

One of the smartest (driving) decisions my wife and I have made is not purchasing a second vehicle. That decision has saved us $30,000+ over 5 years if you factor in the initial cost of a new vehicle, maintenance, insurance, and fuel. That makes the ol’ bank account happy! Where we live plays a large role in making it convenient. We live in town, close to work. There are times when we are headed in two different directions, but with the help of scheduling and friends, we always manage to make it work. And a little inconvenience is a fair trade in order to save money, live a little greener, and cut America’s addiction to oil at the same time. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling all over.

Next time...
Public Transportation, Carpooling, Walking and Biking