Conserve Gas Without a Car: Hidden Costs Cover High Fuel and Energy Usage

Everyone agrees that we need to conserve gas -- some because they think we're running out, others because of a belief in global warming, and still others citing national security. The reason doesn't matter. What's surprising: we spend money on gas without realizing it, not just in our cars, but in our grocery stores and even when we make romantic gestures to our significant others. Would she want those dozen roses if she knew they used more gas than her new hybrid does in a week?

It's hard to see what we as individuals can do about gas usage. On a global level, each of us is pretty insignificant. Most of the companies we buy from in America are controlled from outside our borders: BP, Chevron, Citgo. And demand isn't just going up here in America, but also in China and India and other places throughout the world that are emerging world powers.

There are still things you can do as a citizen, and if you spread the word and get everyone around you to do them, together we can all bring those prices down and stop dumping combustion waste into the air.

The Obvious Things:

Drive less. This is the first and most obvious. But also, check your tire pressure and change your oil; both these are strong factors in the mileage your car gets. Combine your errands and forego the Sunday drive as well, and you'll notice that you're filling up less often. When you're stopped for more than a couple of minutes, go ahead and turn the car off (less than a couple of minutes, and you'll use more gas restarting than you saved).

Buy an efficient car. Of course, if you just bought an Escalade last year, you don't want to give it up. And that's fine -- after all, if you sell it, someone else will just buy and use it, probably at a much better price. But if you're in the market for a new car, looking for one that's easy on gas will go a long way toward saving you gas money.

The Surprising Things: