OntheWilderSide

Repost with some adjustments from June 2008:

(go to: www.ConsumersforPeace.org to see a list of gas stations to use and/or to boycott, and an explanation of the link between oil profits and war)

(see “keep reading” link below for a list of hypermile tips)

The other day, when I filled up my gas tank, my poetic identity and need to express overcame me. Since I had to sign the credit card bill anyway, I decided I might as well make a stand. As I signed my credit card receipt, I wrote on the paper that goes back the company: “Guess the Iraq War was not such a good idea.” The gas station attendant was first confused, than amused when I told him it was not about him. Other times, on my receipt, I have scribbled nasty things about George Bush. (It’s pretty clear to everyone, I would guess, that Bush’s policies and Bush’s war took gas to $4 a gallon.)

I also jump on any chance for a gas boycott. It is hard to get the word out. But, if someone tells me don’t buy gas a certain day of the week, or don’t buy gas on a certain date, I listen. Some day it will be the big one, and everyone will hear about it and do it. And, the gas companies and the government will notice a blip on their charts.

I don’t encourage the action that a woman in the news recently took to protest gas prices. Evidently, she tried to burn down some gas stations. I don’t condone violence and/or arson. And, I presume that many local gas station owners are not the main beneficiaries of high priced gas.

A proactive measure is to just use less gas. Of course, that can best be achieved by walking, bicycling, or taking public transportation. Though, I am excited about the new trend of hyper-miling. When done well, using the hypermile technique can save a lot of gas with simple tricks like keeping your tires properly inflated, and driving slower.

So, want to take action? Bike to work. Scribble on those gas receipts. Look around for an e-mail message about what day to boycott gasoline. And, try some of the tips below to use less gas. You will save money. And, if we can push demand down, maybe we can hurt the pocket of some “oil men.”

Oh, and vote for the Green Party. All of our policies are better.

We don’t believe in war on principle, but as Americans are learning, no war would mean lower gas prices. All those tanks don’t run on milk and honey, and it takes a lot of gas in the airplanes that take our young men and women overseas for their 2 and 3 and 4 tours of duty.

Greens would end the wars and keep the money and resources here, where we need them. Greens would subsidize alternative, renewable fuels (non-nuclear/non-carbon) so that oil is not such a monopoly.

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Posted here on Carwale, with longer explanations at the orginal Forbes article.)

10 top tips on “How To Drive Green Without Buying A New Car”
[How to Hypermile]

* Tip No. 1 : Lay off the accelerator and brakes
* Tip No. 2 : Don’t accelerate at speeds between 55 and 75 miles per hour
* Tip No. 3 : Choose the right oil
* Tip No. 4 : Lose some weight (in your car)
* Tip No. 5 : The Scan Gauge
* Tip No. 6 : Make your car more aerodynamic
* Tip No. 7 : Replace air filters
* Tip No. 8 : Get those wheels aligned
* Tip No. 9 : Keep your tires inflated
* Tip No. 10: Regular engine tune-ups

Filed under: Anti-War, green, Green Party Websites, local, long island, sustainable, third party, US Politics, war Tagged: | gas, gas prices, hypermiling, save gas