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View Full Version : To thank the oil companies



Ellyllions
05-30-2007, 07:28 AM
Sounds stupid as hell to be saying "Thank you" for raping my wallet with high energy prices, but I had an epiphany this weekend. It was a long 5-day weekend for me with my wonderful parents, husband, and son. We shopped, lounged, fished, and had a real feeling of back-to-basics.

There are ways that I (myself, me) can sidestep the oil companies and keep more of my money or give it to someone who's not trying to rip me off.

The best event was going to the farmer's market for produce, meat and dairy. Prices were so low that mom and I were giddy. (compare $2.99/lb for tomatoes in the grocery store to $.89/lb at the market) Shopping there meant no gas price tagged onto the price of the items, and the money went directly to farmers. The stuff was fresh and personally grown.

Dad and I even carved out a little garden in my back yard and planted some vegetables and melons, then we started my compost heap. It's so cute and I'm so proud that I've begun a cycle here at home that gives the companies a small insignificant middle finger.

Then I went through the house and replaced all of my incandescent bulbs with the energy saving ones, turned on the ceiling fans, and draw the shades during the day.

Yes, there is a sneaky suspicion that we might have to stay closer to home and get a little more back to basics with energy prices soaring the way they are. And I'm not opposed to that at all. I'll do whatever I have to do to keep as much of my money as possible out of their hands. But, I need more ideas....

Tell me some more ways to save. Because when we save, we cut their throats.

:D

knuckleboner
05-30-2007, 12:37 PM
make sure the tires are properly inflated. doing that doesn't require any change to behavior, yet can result in up to 5% better gas mileage.

not much if just 1 or 2 people do it.

but aggregated? for every 1% drop in gas useage, we save the U.S. almost 4 million gallons per day. maybe a drop in the bucket, but it's a pretty big drop in a pretty big bucket.

Guitar Shark
05-30-2007, 12:46 PM
Yup. Other driving ideas:

1. Don't drive with windows open, if possible, to improve aerodynamics
2. Don't rush forward and then slam on your brakes - steady driving and coasting to slow down saves gas
3. Drive more slowly if possible - even a 5 mph reduction on the freeway saves significant gas
4. Combine multiple trips into a single trip
5. If you have more than one car, use the most fuel efficient car as often as possible, keep that SUV parked unless absolutely necessary

Angel
05-30-2007, 02:35 PM
Don't idle at railway crossings, etc.

Park your car and go in to get your coffee as opposed to idling in the drive thru.

Dan
05-30-2007, 02:44 PM
Ride A Horse To Work.

bastardog
05-30-2007, 03:53 PM
Prepare some extra food on the afternoons so the next day instead of going out of your workplace at lunch you eat fast and spend the rest of your break doing personal stuff with company equipment (he he he)

Ellyllions
05-30-2007, 04:45 PM
Just got a clothesline.
Not gonna be using the clothes dryer as much.

All good suggestions folks. Keep 'em coming!

Big Train
05-31-2007, 02:15 AM
This is a bit extreme, but also I think would be kind of interesting (if i had a hybrid car).

http://hypermilers.com/

These guys are intentionally driving in a way to maximize miles.

I'd rather be in the garage making gas. Do what I'm in the process of setting up..

http://www.homebiodieselkits.com/

Bought a test car (late 80's diesel mercedes) and I plan on making my own biodiesel, eliminating gas purchases all together. In CA, it also allows you to use the car pool lane and skip smog checks altogether. Sign me up.

Angel
05-31-2007, 07:56 AM
Ride a bike, walk, or take transit whenever possible.

hideyoursheep
05-31-2007, 11:02 AM
Depending on how far you have to drive, set the cruise control.


If you have one of those cars with the fart pipes,:) stop winding it out and shift early, lower RPM's mean less gas usage, no matter how fast you're going.

Change your rear end gears-you guys know what I mean.. the 4:10 in your Mustang will get it up to 100 faster, but that's all they're good for...applies to ALL vehicles. Sprockets on motorcycles.

As always, change the plugs, air filter, O sensor and catalytic converters when you have to...other words, get yer friggin "check engine" light off.

scamper
05-31-2007, 12:21 PM
Stay home and watch porn.

Seshmeister
05-31-2007, 12:54 PM
Drink more booze more often.

Then you are unable to drive for large portions of the week reducing your gas consumption.

hideyoursheep
05-31-2007, 01:36 PM
Originally posted by Seshmeister
Drink more booze more often.

Then you are unable to drive for large portions of the week reducing your gas consumption. :baaa: