Four Great Ways to Save Money, Save Fuel, and Save the World

Going green, for some people, seems to be a major inconvenience.  Often people associate eco-friendly products and philosophies with added expense.  More frequently, however, when taking the more environmental approach to many everyday activities, one will actually be left with more money in his wallet.  This article addresses four great ways to save fuel.  By saving fuel, one reduces toxic greenhouse gas emissions, preserves an unsustainable product, and can even save a great deal of money.

Park It! There are some instances when one simply cannot be without a vehicle.  For long commutes, it is perfectly understandable why one would pick up the keys.  However, for short commutes, it would be beneficial in so many ways if that person opted for a bicycle or simply walked instead.  This encourages a healthier lifestyle, nullifies the “I don’t have the time to work out” philosophy, and ensures that the car is parked far more often.

For those that do have to take a car to and from work or the classroom, it might be better to ask a colleague or classmate to tag-a-long.  Carpooling, which is also known as ride-share, is a great way to save on gas expenses and do your part to save the environment.

Also, rather than heading out on the road this coming weekend to travel to a concert or other social venue, perhaps you could find something equally as entertaining close to home.  The further you travel, the more gas you will use, the more money you will likely spend, and the more carbon emissions you will cause.  There is a lot to be said for a short vacation only a few miles from home.

Take the Road Less Travelled Often articles like this one will speak of avoiding rush hour traffic, but let’s face it.  That is not always the easiest thing in the world to do.  After all, most people do go to work at the same time and come home around the same time as well.  That means that everyone is trying to get somewhere on the same roads during the same hours.  So, how is one to avoid traffic unless he or she is willing to rise at the crack of dawn to beat the rush?  For many individuals that wouldn’t even be possible.  There are often commitments that must be followed through before one even reaches the office.  For instance, parents often have to drop kids at the sitter’s or school before heading to the office each day, and the babysitter or school probably wouldn’t be happy to have the kids before the sun rises.

However, if getting up early every morning is not a solution that is likely to happen for you, consider this instead.  There are often back roads that lead to the same place as the more frequented highways.  Even if it tacks a few extra minutes onto your commute, it can be worth travelling that alternative route because it will mean less starting and stopping and less idling, both of which will quickly deplete a gas tank and create scary amounts of greenhouse gas.

“Kill Two Birds with One Stone” It’s a horrible saying, but its message is clear.  If you can do two tasks in half as much time, it is almost always desirable to do so.  One of the greatest ways to cut down on car use is to combine errands.  Commuting to and from work is the number one contributor to racked up miles on a vehicle, but errand running is a big player as well.  People are often forced to go out to do things like grocery shopping, laundry, a trip to the discount store, doctor’s appointments, or trips to the beauty salon.

Whatever the tasks might be, if one can combine two stops in one trip, it will likely save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent on the road.  That means less fuel, less money to pay for the fuel, and less toxic emissions released into the air we breathe.  You might consider buying groceries and making the trip to the discount store all in one day.  Some places even offer all-in-one shopping centers where you could do both.  Next time you head out to do laundry at the Laundromat, consider getting that manicure while the clothes are in the dryer.  Small actions like this can be big savers in the end.

Support the Local Economy This might seem like a strange suggestion at first, but consider how many tasks you drive ten, fifteen, or more miles to do.  Couldn’t some of those errands be accomplished right in your own area?  Even if it costs a little more, doing so can mean meeting people who live close by, saving a great deal of time that could be used for more productive means, and, of course, less driving.  That is the ultimate goal here.  Plus, the money saved on gas due to the shorter commute (perhaps you could even avoid driving all together) will likely keep the price difference bearable.