Simple Steps To Continue Driving, Save Money and Help the Environment

There is no doubt that vehicles and drivers take the brunt of criticism when it comes to issues of carbon emission, global warming, and environmental pollution. Although cars and trucks may indeed be a major contributor to the problems faced by our planet, realistically people aren't prepared to make drastic changes in their lifestyle which would include eliminating the use of an automobile.

There are however a few things that everyone can do to reduce the effects of automiles on the environment. Take these simple steps to help the environment and save money on gas.

Maintain Your Vehicle:

• Make sure your tire pressure is correct.


• Keep your air filter clean and replace it when necessary.


• Get your tires aligned.


• Have your engine well tuned.


• Remove any extra weight such as unnecessary items kept in the trunk.

Optimize Your Driving Habits:

• Combine your activities and errands into a single trip.


• Avoid sudden braking and accelerating. Smooth driving can save up to 10% in gas consumption.


• Drive at the speed limit.


• Give yourself extra time and avoid traveling during peak traffic times whenever possible.


• Car pool whenever possible


• Using Cruise control on long trips will give you better mileage.

Make Wise Choices:

• Choose an energy efficient car for your next purchase.


• For short errands, ask yourself whether you need to take the car or can you walk or bike instead.


• Avoid using the car's air conditioner.


• Choose public transportation.

By integrating even a couple of these suggestions into your lifestyle you'll help the environment and your gas budget.

Our Environment and Consumption

In Pursuit of Materialism

We definitely live in a materialistic society. People spend their days working to get more stuff. It's never enough. You need more stuff, better than your neighbor stuff, bigger stuff. Do you ever wonder what you are doing with all the stuff you have? What happens to it once you throw it out? Maybe you don't have enough stuff?

Here is a resource that might enlighten your perspective on things. It's a twenty minute fast paced, informative and entertaining video entitled The Story of Stuff.

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The video goes through the life cycle of stuff from extraction to production, distribution, consumption and finally disposal. Find out what's behind all the materialism that has taken hold of our society and what effect this has on our environment. See what we can do about it by watching The Story of Stuff. On the website you can watch the video directly, download a copy of it and check out an extensive list of resources on recycling, the environment and related topics.

Protect Our Environment With These Simple, Useful Tips

Easy ways to make a difference

If you have ever asked yourself how you can make a difference and help save the environment then here is an answer for you. In fact here are 100 answers.

The SEQL (Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life) organization has put together a handy list of 100 simple things you can do in your everyday life that will help the environment.

They divided the list into categories:

• Home Energy Conservation


• Home Toxicity


• At the Office


• In your yard


• Protecting Our Air Supply


• Conserving Water


• Protecting Water


• Reducing Waste

Here are a few suggestions from the list:

• Lower your thermostat.


• Connect your outdoor lights to a timer.


• Minimize pesticide and herbicide use on your lawn.


• Use an electric lawn mower.


• Copy and print on both sides of the paper.


• Recycle printer cartridges.


• Don't wash dishes with continuously running water.


• Buy items in bulk to reduce packaging material.


• Use rechargeable batteries where possible.

You can see the Complete List of Environmental Protection Tips on the SEQL website which also has a downloadable pdf file.

Peak Oil - Dealing With Our Addiction To Oil

An Interview With Richard Heinberg

Richard Heinberg is a world leading authority on the Peak Oil Theory. Here is a fast paced video that will get you up to speed on the coming oil crisis in just a few minutes.

Richard Heinberg Interview (part 2)