How to Save Money on Gas

In recent months, gas prices have plummeted and skyrocked, leaving Americans unsure as to the stability of the price. Everyone then wonders, "How can I save money on gas?"

Although gas prices have plummeted as of December 2008, Americans have been called to a higher cause of duty-an urgent call that only recently has been pronounced necessary. Fortunately, not all Americans have waited to act against global warming, but many have been working toward reducing their oil consumption, which in turn has helped them save money on gas, for years now.

It is not as difficult as many think to save money on gas and, more importantly, reduce reliance on oil. There are small ways in which Americans can cut down their gas consumption, and thus pay less at the pump, without even realizing it. However, dramatically reducing the money that Americans spend on gas each year, and reducing America's reliance on oil, can demand more of a lifestyle change.

Americans who reside in the country might need to use different techniques to save money on gas than those who reside in cities. While not all of these suggestions will be practical for all readers, anyone should be able to find some that will be personally realistic for them. That being said, everyone, whether city or country dweller, should be able to implement several money- and gas-saving techniques from this list.

Here are 20 innovative methods that Americans across the country have been using for years to save money on gas while helping to battle the looming global warming of Earth.

1) Use Public Transportation

Public transportation is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to save money on gas. Most large cities in the United States have public transportation systems, whether extensive or not. Remember that public transportation will never be successful in the United States unless residents begin to support it. As residents rely more and more on public transportation, they will also see the systems become more sophisticated and intricate. Most cities with public transportation systems have weekly and monthly passes for the convenience of their riders, making public transportation even more affordable.

2) Set Up Publically Accessible "Casual" Carpools To and From Work

Many Americans are plagued with long commutes to and from work every day-a task that is both expensive and time-consuming. Americans often live in the suburbs and commute to the city. These commuters can come together to make the commute easier and more affordable. Casual carpools are informal carpools (also called ride-share or slugging) that crop up when many commuters whose destination is similar meet at a particular location to carpool to work. Many cities where commuting is high already have casual carpools with designated pick-up and drop-off locations. "Drivers" meet at the designated location and pick up "riders" who have similar work destinations. In this situation, both drivers and riders mutually benefit. Drivers do not have to pay the expensive $4 road or bridge tolls and are eligible to drive in designated "carpool lanes" (thus making the commute much faster), and riders get a free ride to work. Both riders and drivers know they are cutting down their production of green house gasses, and they all save money on gas.

If no casual carpool exists in your city and you think it would be successful there, check out " Slug Lines ." Slug Lines is an online resource for Washington, D.C., carpoolers that is applicable to any large city. Here you will find detailed instructions on beginning a new informal carpool and saving tons of money on gas!

3) Plant a Garden

Many Americans are lucky enough to have a yard behind their house. If that is so, take advantage of it! Rip up the perfectly manicured lawn and plant a vegetable garden. Homegrown vegetables are 100 times better than their store-bought counterparts. Imagine traveling only as far as the garden to pick the vegetables for dinner, rather than getting in the car, burning gas and buying not-so-fresh veggies? Planting a garden will save money on gas and on produce.

4) Combine Errands

Instead of making several trips into town, think ahead and get all errands done during one trip. This will help you save time and save money on gas.

5) Car-Sharing Programs

Car-sharing programs will soon dominate the concepts that city dwellers have regarding car ownership. Many companies have cropped up across large cities, such as "City Car Share," "City Wheels" and "Zip Car." Car sharing is so simple and inexpensive-instead of owning a car, which can be expensive in the city, due to expenses like parking, insurance, gas and repairs, city dwellers can essentially pay a small fee to have the opportunity to use a car whenever it is needed. Car-sharing programs factor insurance, repairs, gas and parking into the monthly fees so drivers don't need to worry about these hassles. Why own a car if you can use one whenever you want? It's freedom without responsibility. Find out if there is a car-sharing program in your area by visiting CarSharing.net .

6) Drive Less

This might sound too obvious, but it must be emphasized. Many folks just flat out drive too much! It's an easy trap to get stuck in, but it's also easy to break out of. Stop driving anywhere and everywhere.

7) Avoid Traffic

When drivers get stuck in traffic, they tend to alternate between slamming the break and slamming the gas. This constant acceleration and breaking does nothing for the car's gas mileage! Avoiding traffic, when possible, will allow drivers to keep a steady speed, which in turn optimizes fuel efficiency and will help you save money on gas.

8) Don't Speed

While many believe a common myth that the faster they drive, the less fuel is used, this is not true. Most cars use optimal gas when driven at 60 miles per hour, and the further the car gets from that speed (whether faster or slower) the more fuel efficiency is reduced. Stay clam and drive the speed limit. You will save money on gas and your wallet will thank you!

9) Ride Your Bike

Bike riding is coming more and more in vogue as Americans try to save money on gas and stop relying heavily on oil. Biking is a fun and healthy mode of transportation, but be sure to wear a helmet; other drivers who are not riding to save money on gas might not be so smart.

10) Buy in Bulk

Instead of buying two cans of black beans at the grocery store, buy a bag of dry beans. These will last much longer, they are cheaper, and they prolong the time before the next trip to the grocery store. Buying in bulk when possible, whether snacks, beans, flours or other items, is a great way of reducing those daily trips to the grocery store, and thus will further help you save money on gas.

11) Walk

Break out those new tennis shoes and walk! Americans rely way too heavily on cars-and as a result Americans are also getting heavier each year. A great way to lose pounds and save money on gas is to walk-walk to work if you can, or walk to the bus station. Walk to the grocery store, or walk to dinner!

12) Sign Up for Community Supported Agriculture Programs

Community Supported Agriculture programs are cropping up all across the West coast. Intensely popular, CSAs deliver organic, local and fresh produce to your doorstep! With home and office delivery of fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables (as well as the option for eggs, butter, milk and other farm products), there is no need to step inside the car for a trip to the local market. Deliveries are convenient and very affordable. Why go to the market, spending gas on the way, if organic food can be delivered to you? Check out Local Harvest's Web site .

13) Buy Secondhand

Craigslist and other Web sites like it now bring together buyers and sellers in the same city-in some cases even the same neighborhood. Purchasing equipment, books, even electronics from Craigslist sellers will reduce the money spent on gas (instead of driving 10 miles to a Best Buy, walk down the block to meet the seller). Craigslist is an affordable and easy way to save money on gas, as well as keep America's landfills from overflowing with perfectly good products.

14) Ride a Kick Scooter or Skateboard

Kick scooters, sold by Razor , are pretty trendy ways of getting around. Kick scooters require no gas or electricity (although electric scooters are available). Traveling longer distances via scooter is faster than walking but still a good form of exercise. If scooters seem too cool and trendy, try a skateboard. Skating is also faster than walking and requires no gas or electricity. Both scooters and skateboards are the pefect means for college and high school students to save money on gas.

15) Don't Buy Gas on Friday or a Weekend

Gas prices are usually gouged on the weekend because companies know Americans travel more on weekends than on weekdays. Fill up the tank on a weekday before the prices are gouged to save money on gas.

16) Use Cruise Control

When driving on long road trips, across the state or country, use cruise control whenever you can to save money on gas. Cruise control keeps the car's speed consistent, which in turn cuts down on the tendency of drivers to waste gas on accelerating and breaking. Drivers who don't need to stop so often to fill up the tank will clearly save money. But please, don't let cruise control sap alertness on the road.

17) Buy a Hybrid

With the Toyota Prius, Americans really began to shed the bulky baggage of SUVs and Vans. More and more car manufacturers are releasing hybrid vehicles, and drivers should jump on this opportunity to save money on gas bills. To take a look at up-and-coming hybrids to be released in 2009, check out Hybridcars.com .

18) Car Maintenance

Do not skip car maintenance appointments and keep the car's tires inflated properly. Cars will burn more gas when not tuned properly, as will they burn more gas when tires are not inflated. This will further save money on gas at the pump.

19) Ride a Gas Scooter or Moped

Mopeds are becoming cooler in cities across the United States as well as its suburbs. They come in trendy colors and are inexpensive to purchase (a Vespa can be bought for a mere $3,000-see VespaUSA.com ). Mopeds are easy to ride and very fuel efficient. According to VespaUSA.com, a vespa gets 72 mpg while the average compact gets a mere 30 mpg. Want to save money on gas and look cool? Try a moped.

20) Carpool to Work and School

For those Americans who simply cannot implement a ride-sharing carpool in their city or town, carpools are still a very practical option to save money on gas. For parents who drive their kids to school every day, try to find other parents who do the same thing in your neighborhood. Then share the responsibility by each driving a few times a week. This will cut down on time spent in the car and money spent on gas. Workers can do the same with their co-workers residing in the same neighborhood.

Additional Resources:

http://carsharing.net/

http://www.slug-lines.com

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/