Use Less Gas on your Commute : New gas hybrid cars 2009

Use Less Gas on your Commute
by Mark Gardner
The cost of gas has reached historic prices and it continues to go up on a daily basis. Every night on the news you are bombarded with this fact, as if you didn't notice how much money you are currently spending to fill up your tank compared to a year ago. Increasing gas prices could possibly be a blessing in disguise though. Gas prices a blessing? Up until this fuel crisis, other countries had already begun looking for and successfully found more eco-friendly fuel alternatives. The urgency of this event made researchers world-wide work even harder, also in part from consumer demands. Current petroleum consumption to fuel America's cars does affect our wallets, but it does something else, we have preferred to ignore over time. Petroleum produces disastrous effects on our planet. Here are a few examples of how petroleum pollutes and it affects our world: * Car exhausts release fossil fuel hydrocarbons into the atmosphere leaving soot deposits in water sources or they are washed out to the ocean by precipitation. * Approximately half the carbon dioxide emitted stays in the atmosphere. * Oil leaks in cars, often pooling in your driveway or parking spot, wash away with rain water into sewers which empty out into streams, rivers, and oceans. * Marine life exposure to oil produces long-term effects on the sensitive habitats and population of marine organisms; primarily resulting in death of millions of living creatures. After reading these facts, you will hopefully begin to realize your individual impact on the world around you and you will start to make lifestyle changes. Transforming bad habits will make a difference in our environment and will save you money and time. Here are 4 steps in the right direction: Step 1- Plan Errands Leave for work an hour early and make stops along the way. Planning errands early in the morning will save you time because stores are less crowded. Plus, you are not going out of your way to do them. You have to go to work so why not check off your "To-Do List" as well. Step 2- Take the Bus If you don't plan on going anywhere special or need to run any errands, the best alternative in urban living is to go to work via public transit. It is a fraction of the cost compared to the gas you will use and most American cities that offer public transportation that uses only eco-friendly vehicles. They are state regulated and inspected to maintain a high level of fuel efficiency and a low production of greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Carpool None of my co-workers have ever carpooled and most people shy away from it because of safety reason. That is a weak excuse though. Most people hate the inconvenience of having to wait on someone or having to leave for work a little early and getting home a little later because they have to pick up or drop off a co-worker. If safety is a real concern, try starting a friends-only carpool with those people you trust and work close to you or along the way. Establishing a carpool route is also another idea you can implement to include people that may be a little out of the way but yet want to participate. 4. Purchase a Hybrid You may think hybrids are too expensive, but the truth is, they aren't that much more expensive than an economy car. New releases of these vehicles pay for themselves over time and maintain their value over time. This step is truly not that hard of a decision. Hybrid cars use two energy sources: a small fuel-efficient gas engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is battery powered, recharges automatically while you drive and assists the gas engine when accelerating. The most efficient is the Toyota Prius which will run you about $22,796 at base price. According to Consumer Reports miles-per-gallon rating the Prius drove 50 on the highway and 44 in town. The $18,700 base priced, MINI Cooper top rated among economy cars does 28 MPG in town and 37 MPG on the highway. When you are done comparing, there is only a $4,096 difference between the two and close to double the gas mileage if you choose the Toyota. In the end, changes only take place when someone is willing to take that first step. Be that person! To engage other co-workers, you may want to calculate how much money you saved after following these 4 steps. Even the most hesitant people to the green idea will try something new to save money. Share what you are doing with people you meet and make a difference!