by Nina Lewis

Created on: June 30, 2008

Gas prices are at their ultimate high averaging about $4.15 per gallon if not more, it seems like we need to take out a second loan just to get around town. Although the rise in gas prices is affecting us like the plague, it may not be such a bad thing. Society is finally waking up and realizing that there are other alternatives to creating a better environment, than pouring their whole pay check into the pump. People are adapting to the "going green" philosophy, simply because they have no choice. Hopefully with the increase of gas prices forcing people to watch their dollars, they will also become more environment conscious as well.

We can all do our part with stopping global warming and create a cleaner and healthier environment. We should do our part by looking at the high rise of gas prices as a wake up call to help us to become more eco-friendly. Therefore we can save a few dollars, while creating a better earth. Little changes can have a big impact, so start going green today!
Automobiles are one of the top causes of air pollution. Every time we pump gas carbon dioxide is cycled into the air, which has a strong effect on global warming. Here are some small changes that you can make that will help the environment.

Public Transportation-
Wheels on the bus go round and round. A lot of people decide not to take the commute route, because they feel that it is time consuming. However taking public transit will save you money as well as time, especially when you are in rush hour traffic. Public Transportation has a variety of ways to help you save money and time. Most buses, trains and trolleys offer designated routes, group discounts and savings on monthly passes. I know the thought of public transportation can be drastic. Just think if you can commute to work at least 2 or 3 days out of the week. You will be saving money, learning different routes, meeting new people all while helping create a better place to live.

Carpool
Find a co worker or a friend that works the same hours or travels the same route as you. Take one car, if you and your spouse work a few hours apart. Don't worry about losing time; there is 24 hours in a day. So if you spend an hour or two waiting for your ride, at least be productive. Exercise; catch up on a good book, or even better stop litter bugs in their tracks. Some companies post carpool share information. If your job does not post carpool information, you can also check out a cool websites like www.pickupal.com , www.erideshare.com , www.carpoolworld.com, where you can find locals in your community looking for a ride, or looking to give you a ride.

Invest
Not into stocks and bonds, but into a bicycle. You don't have to purchase the newest and fanciest bike on the market. You can get a very reliable bicycle from a thrift store or a yard sale. A bicycle is great for running small errands that are close to your house, it is also a great form of exercise.

Car Maintenance
By all means if you have the cash, go buy a hybrid or trade in you gas guzzler for a more efficient and eco friendly car. I know that all of us are not Bill Gates rich, so we have to take proper care of our cars to ensure optimum performance. Therefore simple steps like keeping your smog emissions up to date, checking your tire pressure since low tires lead to higher gas mileage. Fill your car up at the pump. We have all been victims of putting 5 bucks here 10 bucks there to save a few dollars, hoping that the gas prices will go down before we decide to juice up our cars up all the way. Just remember that we can't control the inevitable, but we can all work together to create a better environment for ourselves and our families.

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