High Energy Prices Are Not the Issue
Energy prices have been heading up fast for a good solid two years ... and now the cost of gas is heading up on a daily basis.
The markets are sending us a signal - a major warning shot across our collective bow. Global demand for a variety of fuel sources (primarily oil and natural gas) is running wild and capacity to meet that demand is stretching very thin. Throw in the weather related issues (like massive Cat5 hurricanes) and chess matches between nations sitting on top of fuel and nations far away from fuel ... and you have got a witch's brew of swirling problems.
Conservation is an easy way for you - the buyer at the end of an incredibly long and complex supply chain - to mitigate rising energy prices.
Actually, if peak oil is for real, conservation might be the only effective way to deal with rising costs of energy. Scary thought? I believe not... if you begin to think about the problem with an open mind and a dose of creativity, I think you'll see it can liberate you to some extent.
There are so many simple ways to start reducing your energy use. Really, Americans waste so much fuel. Our per capita use of gas is pretty outrageous.
If you live in a town, start walking more. A half mile walk to the store to pick up a gallon of milk is not a hassle! It's fun and it gets you outside for half an hour. How about driving slower? That's the biggest no-brainer around. You can easily get more for your gas money - cut 5 to 10 mph off your average speed.
Don't be afraid of the rising costs of energy, be flexible. The world is entering a new time, when cheap abundant fuel is ancient history. Your attitude and approach is key. Start thinking about reducing your energy footprint and stop pining for the good ole days ... cause they ain't coming back!
