How to Make Yourself Richer and Not the Oil Companies

The International Herald Tribune reported in February 2008 that Exxon Mobile had blowout profits with an income of $40.6 billion last year. That isn't how much they made in total sales. That $40.6 billion is in profits! No, I didn't mistype. That is a B for billions. While they laugh all the way to the bank; I'm paying well over $4 a gallon for the cheap stuff? Doesn't that make you mad? Well good! Now do something about it. Quit buying gas. I am not talking about the ridiculous schemes of not paying for gas for one day. I mean, for real! Quit buying gas.

For those who can bike
Sell your car, van, truck or whatever it is you are driving. Get rid of it. I tested my idea the other day with a walk to town. I can walk one mile in 20 minutes or three miles an hour for a casual walk. Hop on a bike and that number goes down to 3 miles in 20 minutes. I am not a speed racer either. I am a mom with two children in tow.

If you are worried about grocery shopping or carrying a lot of things, a child carrier holds many items for you. There are other trailers for bikes and also baskets to help you safely carry your things around town. I wear a large backpack when I go out but baskets make for a much more enjoyable ride. For children that aren't fast enough there are tandem bikes or trail-a-bikes that attach to the parent bikes. The downside is if you work far from home, it won't be an option.

For those who can't
My husband must have a vehicle for his job. He works too far away from home to ride a bike. It wouldn't be realistic for him. But that doesn't mean we're just biting the bullet and going to the pump as often as before. He's been working to get the best miles per gallon for his car by changing his driving habits. This change is letting his car get the maximum miles per gallon, also called hypermiling. Hypermiling.com has an article and steps that explain how to squeeze the most miles out of the smallest amount of gas.

DON'T ADD WATER TO YOUR TANK
There are kits and directions available for when you are fed up with the oil companies charging outrageous gas prices while making a record profit. The kit converts your regular vehicle to a hybrid. The conversion costs under $200.The Water4gas website is complete with all the information you need! The best part is you get to save the environment!

Knowledge is power
Powerful companies want you buying their gas. Biking will free your gasoline addiction. Hypermiling will cut your gas bill. Conversion kits will free you of insidious oil companies greed. If you want to stop the insanity, join me in an effort to stop using gas! Spread the word and we'll make a difference!