Drive 55
Why not consume less?
I think I have a great idea: lets all drive the speed limit! What a concept! Hey - 65mph is for most vehicles 20% less fuel efficient than 55mph. The math can be complex but for the average vehicle - for every one mile per hour over 55 you drive - you get 2% less efficiency on fuel consumption. For a slightly different perspective on this concept check the Gas Mileage Tips at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ Pretty infomative site overall.
Fast starts and stops in traffic is also very inefficient. So why make the road some macho trip?
Besides helping the environment in which you breathe, you will end up with more money in your pocket (as the above website points out) if you reduce fuel consumption.
Lately I have been walking just about everywhere I go. Usually only when I need more groceries than I can carry do I drive. Obviously this is not possible for everyone - people living in remote locations. But I live in an urban setting. I am not near perfect but I am striving for improvement. And walking/biking is good excercise too - something I dare say we could all use a little more of.
Unfortunately we DO fight wars over control of oil resources. If we all reduced usage there may be no need for that Or extra drilling and pipeline building across beautiful open spaces. Maybe in the short run such drilling and piping practices create a few jobs but working on something like bio-diesel will too. Furthermore, some of the oil cos are hitting record earnings numbers and guess what - the new energy bill gives them all MORE tax breaks.
Rather than rip my hair out - in my next blog I think I will discuss solar power. Moving toward, rather than away from, a utopian state is possible.
Peace,
Rob
posted by Unknown @ 3:16 PM
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