Save Money On Fuel - 3 Simple Tips

With gas prices pushing $4.00 a gallon in the US and estimates that it could be $7 in four years, I thought it might be appropriate to share three things you can do immediately to reduce your fuel use. Not only will you save money, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint to help the planet.

Tip #1: Use your bike like you’re 13 again

When I was a kid, I used my bike to go everywhere. Granted, I wasn’t yet allowed to take the car, so that was a motivating factor. But now that prices for fuel are rising, it’s almost the same thing! So, next time you need to go to the convenience store or the neighborhood Starbucks, use your human power to get there. You’ll get in some exercise, too!

Tip #2: Plan & consolidate your errands

Cars are so convenient, we will mindlessly get in them at any time to zip down to the store. Those quick impulsive trips add up, especially if you have several members of a household with their own little errands.

Make a list of things you need during the week, and then take one day to go and do them all at once. Use that day to refuel, get groceries, replace toiletries, go to the bank, enjoy a day out to eat, and generally get things done for everyone in your household.

If it’s possible, try to go someplace where you can do as many of the errands as possible by parking once and walking to different locations. When something comes up during the week, give it strong consideration before leaping into the car–can it wait until errand day? If the answer is no, then see if you can get anything else done along the way. Maybe you can just shift your errand day for this week.

Tip #3: Find alternative transportation to work

Save fuel and stress by reducing one of the most common uses of fuel by finding an alternative way to get to work. See if you can get a carpool started, or learn your local public transportation systems. Maybe that bike that you’ve dusted off or purchased from tip #1 might be able to get you there.