Summer is traditionally the time for road trips.  While this used to be an inexpensive way to travel, things have changed dramatically.  Not only are gas prices rising, the effect on the environment is a real concern.  The cost of gasoline will continue to rise over the long term.  Part of that is due to inflation, and part is due to the fact that we simply use and waste too much gas.  We definitely need to look into public transportation and hybrid and alternative fueled cars.  Meanwhile, here are some tips to help you conserve fuel this summer:

    * Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon. The best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. No more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days is needed. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions.     * Avoid aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33% and city mileage 5%.     * Avoid high speeds. Above 60 mph, gas mileage drops rapidly. The fueleconomy.gov Web site shows how driving speed affects gas mileage.     * When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces wear.     * Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.     * Use air conditioning only when necessary.     * Clear out your car; extra weight decreases gas mileage.     * Reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks. A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to buy a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5%.     * Check into telecommuting, carpooling and public transit to cut mileage and car maintenance costs.

These tips and more can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website at http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/  You may also want to check out  http://www.greentreks.org/education/resources.asp for additional information on energy and other forms of conservation.

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Lissa Coffey is an author, media personality, and the founder of CoffeyTalk.com (Reprinted with permission Copyright © Bamboo Entertainment, Inc.)