Monday, July 28, 2008
car battery
Today car batteries are thought to be self maintaining. Some are not as Shorty and I found out this weekend. My battery died Friday night when we were in the middle of nowhere. It turned out that it needed water. Dad checked his van and found that its battery needed water too. So you might want to check your batteries.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Here's a thought
So today I went to the grocery store with my cloth bags. I keep them in the front seat of my car now. Today was the first day that the baggers were actually excited about using the cloth bags. It was kind of cute, 2 high school boys trying to figure out how to use each and everyone.
My thought is what if the PSA gods were to run an add each week, nationwide that gave and idea..like This week use your cloth bags for groceries or this week reduce your speed by 5 mph. I bet that if someone like a popular media star gave this message, it would make an impact.
My thought is what if the PSA gods were to run an add each week, nationwide that gave and idea..like This week use your cloth bags for groceries or this week reduce your speed by 5 mph. I bet that if someone like a popular media star gave this message, it would make an impact.
I Can't Drive 55
Ok, so the whole country is screwed because we are depending on foreign oil, I searched the internet last night and I now know the answer. By simply slowing down when you drive, you are going to save money three different ways:
-better gas mileage
-less tickets
-decrease oil consumption and therefore lower fuel costs
If we start drilling in ANWR and off the coast of Florida and other states we aren't going to see the benefits of that until at best 10 years. Who knows how long it will take to really see the benefit of alternate energy sources lowering gas prices. There is a way to decrease nationwide consumption almost over night, and that is reduce speed limits. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas assuming that gas costs $4 per gallon (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml).
My theory:
It is going to be very hard to change all the speed limit signs, but everyone drives 15 to 20 over the speed limit anyway. So I think enforcement is going to become very strict and people are going to start getting pulled much more often. Note also that the state just increased speeding fines last week. The other part to this theory is that gas for police cars is getting expensive, so they are going to start implementing more of those camera deals that take a picture of you when you are speeding.
Next time you go on a trip drive a little slower. On a 500 mile trip you could easily save $50 bucks and only lose an hour or so of drive time. $50 bucks an hour isn't bad. Plus you might save yourself a speeding ticket. Plus, if you could get a couple hundred million other people doing it maybe we could stop paying so much for gas. Win - Win - Win.
Also, it's probably safer to get in a wreck going the speed limit rather than 15 over it.
-better gas mileage
-less tickets
-decrease oil consumption and therefore lower fuel costs
If we start drilling in ANWR and off the coast of Florida and other states we aren't going to see the benefits of that until at best 10 years. Who knows how long it will take to really see the benefit of alternate energy sources lowering gas prices. There is a way to decrease nationwide consumption almost over night, and that is reduce speed limits. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas assuming that gas costs $4 per gallon (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml).
My theory:
It is going to be very hard to change all the speed limit signs, but everyone drives 15 to 20 over the speed limit anyway. So I think enforcement is going to become very strict and people are going to start getting pulled much more often. Note also that the state just increased speeding fines last week. The other part to this theory is that gas for police cars is getting expensive, so they are going to start implementing more of those camera deals that take a picture of you when you are speeding.
Next time you go on a trip drive a little slower. On a 500 mile trip you could easily save $50 bucks and only lose an hour or so of drive time. $50 bucks an hour isn't bad. Plus you might save yourself a speeding ticket. Plus, if you could get a couple hundred million other people doing it maybe we could stop paying so much for gas. Win - Win - Win.
Also, it's probably safer to get in a wreck going the speed limit rather than 15 over it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Freezing berries.
When I buy berries and veggies it is hard to use them all before they rot. So I freeze at least half of what I buy. This has cut down on a lot of waste. To freeze veggies you need to steam them or dip them in boiling water for 2 minutes then cover them in cold water or ice and let them cool. To freeze berries you just wash and freeze. I slice the strawberries. I also freeze bananas by peeling and slicing them. I freeze all bread products too.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Energy savings
Caulk your windows. Amazing how much this cuts down on energy loss and is relatively easy and inexpensive.
Coupons
I heard about this site: www.coupons.com to get store coupons. Also go to the brand's website for special offers, etc.
First Entry
This blog is going to be used for our family to posts tips on how to save energy, time, and money.
The first tip is going to blackle.com
If you haven't heard of this, then I recommend reading the about section....
http://www.blackle.com/about/
Also note that I set the page up with a black background for the same reason.
-Sam
The first tip is going to blackle.com
If you haven't heard of this, then I recommend reading the about section....
http://www.blackle.com/about/
Also note that I set the page up with a black background for the same reason.
-Sam
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