By Matt Knaack
Common knowledge says that gas prices go up during the summer months. Why is this? And how can you best cope? Well, the reasoning behind higher gas prices is multifaceted.
According to biofuels economist Cole Gustafson, the most influential contributors are the mandates required by the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act. The EPA says that petroleum producers must reformulate the blends of gasoline they use during the summer months to help combat pollution in large metropolitan areas. These formulas cost more to produce and according to the EPA, they should only increase gas prices by 2 to 4 cents per gallon.
Unfortunately, Gustafson says that there is no evidence that the modified fuels are contributing to cleaner air.
Each metro area has a different formula during this time, making it harder for areas with surplus gasoline to contribute to areas that are lacking. This gives petroleum companies an added edge, allowing them to push any sort of monopolizing tactics they have at their disposal such as price gouging.
Besides the market advantage, there is also the fact that the reformulated fuel is less efficient than the fuel used during non-summer months. Since it is less efficient, drivers must purchase it more often. Together, these factors work together to cost drivers more.
So, how can you stop them from breaking the bank?
1. “Hypermiling”
“Hypermiling” is a group of techniques that fuel-conscious drivers may practice. The behaviors that constitute hypermiling include some logical decisions that many drivers do not make. For instance, minimizing mass in your vehicle will decrease the amount of gasoline it takes to power your vehicle. Also, drivers looking to maximize their fuel efficiency tend to pay attention to what is happening ahead of them in an attempt to anticipate future decisions. The goal of this is to accelerate and decelerate as little as possible while coasting as much as possible. There are more extreme techniques under the umbrella of hypermiling, including drafting, which may not be safe.
2. Public Transportation
Many people shy away from using public transit. Instead of avoiding it, consider taking it on your day off to do errands. This will give you a chance to get used to the system, be it a bus, subway, or light rail system. And it will already be saving you gas! Eventually, you could start taking it to work. Of course, not all cities have a reliable public transportation system, but it’s a very good option for residents of cities that do. Be sure to look for the monthly unlimited ride passes some transportation systems offer—these tend to be the best bang for your buck.
3. Walking or Biking
If you live relatively close to the things you need, try walking instead of driving. This means leisurely strolls to grocers or local restaurants instead of driving 12 miles to that store or diner you insist on going to. For longer distances, consider bicycling. Bicycles are one of the most efficient forms of transportation and they don’t consume a drop of fossil fuel. This is my favorite way to travel; it’s quick yet relaxing, it’s freeing and flexible. It’s incredible what walking and biking can do for a person—not only are these options cheaper and healthier, but they also allow you to explore your own neighborhood in a new way!
4. Proper Maintenance
Car owners often neglect the needs of their vehicles and necessary auto repair [http://www.veenstrasgarage.com/]. This is a mistake, especially for those looking to save money on gasoline. While wheel alignment and engine maintenance affect the mileage on a tank of gas, more easily addressed factors such as tire pressure do, as well. According to a report by the National Research Council, every loss of 1 psi in tire pressure causes an approximate increase of 1.4 percent in rolling resistance for tires inflated between 24 and 36 psi. Something as simple as keeping your tires properly inflated can save you from losing your hard-earned money to the pump, so why don’t more people do it?
5. Travel Locally
Instead of making that cross-country trip in your car this summer, try finding something closer to home. In Michigan, we have countless campgrounds, some capable of convincing travelers that they’re on a “real” vacation when the campgrounds are within an hour of the campers’ homes. Other enticing possibilities include planning a tour of local breweries in your home state, known to some as a “beergrimage” (a combination of the words “beer” and “pilgrimage”).
Who knows what sort of things might pop up along the way? And you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on the gas it would take to get to and from some long-distance destination.
Matt Knaack has been interested in sustainability for several years now. Reinforced by his relationship with a local environmental organization, he has made sure that sustainable habits are a part of his everyday life. With his anthropology degree in hand, Matt loves to better understand the individuals and environments he interacts with. He has a desire to write that often finds him buried in a notebook, pen in hand, excavating words and phrases from his surroundings. He also enjoys riding his bike and reading books from the library (so more pages don’t have to be printed).
Source : livinggreenmagazine
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