| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 04:52:55 AM
I wasn't quite sure what forum this belongs in, so if it needs moved somewhere else, that's fine.
What is the price of mid-grade gasoline where you live? It has reached $2.45 a gal. here in Iowa. In Iowa, the mid-grade has ethanol in it. Thank heaven for all that corn, or our gas prices would be higher!
I try to drive less, so that is my way of coping with the prices. Luckily I have a job here in town, so I don't have to drive a long distance to work. These prices sure are hard on people who have to drive a long way to work, or small businesses that depend on driving as part of their way to earn revenue.
Talking with someone in class last night who works for an oil company, it sounds like we could see $4.00 a gal. gas in the not too distant future.
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| summerbreeze |
Posted - Jul 05 2006 : 10:21:48 AM
Gas in my area is about $2.89 per gallon. I had a rude shock when I went to a friends big birthday bash this weekend on an island just off the Seattle and the price of gas was $3.49 a gallon for regular. I didn't get gas before I left home and needed a few gallons to get home. DH had a lot to say about it.
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
| akcowgirl |
Posted - Jul 05 2006 : 09:37:13 AM
Just a little update gas is 3.17 a gallon here now. What is it everywhere else?
Valerie
Yes, I live in my own little world. But that's ok they know me here.
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
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| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 6:59:30 PM
Gas has gone down three cents a gallon here. It's $2.72 a gallon now. |
| Kate Talley |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 3:34:28 PM
Here is Salt Lake City the gas is about 2.70-2.85. Last year after the hurricanes, my family and I decided we would stop driving places that we can walk. I wasted lots of gas on running around, and I would go to the store just for a thing or two. Now, we walk to school, friends homes, church, library. I go to Costco every two weeks, and have my DH pick up whatever fresh fruits and vegs on his way home. I use half the gas I used to. In our modern society we are just used to driving! Try it! It does take some extra time and planning, but it is great to walk.
Kate |
| connio |
Posted - Apr 22 2006 : 09:29:24 AM
Hey Farm Girls!!!
It is $2.99 in my little rural Texas town today. I have 2 oil wells and numerous gas wells on my road, but I guess it's all going far away! (lol)
Connie
cozycottage |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 22 2006 : 08:16:57 AM
2.73 down here this morning. Boy, do I wish I lived in a bicycle-friendly distance area (that is, if I wasn't 6 months pregnant!!!)
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 21 2006 : 08:43:45 AM
2.68 here right now...but 3 cents cheaper at least in the next town..sometimes there is as much as a 10 cents difference 7 miles away.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| owwlady |
Posted - Apr 21 2006 : 08:22:14 AM
Gas is 3.09 per gallon today, luckily I live 5 min from work. My paycheck should go up as much as the gas does! |
| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 3:18:10 PM
Ok, here's another link to where you can actually buy the parts. It looks like it's almost $3,000 for everything. Hmmm.... how long would that take to pay for itself if the average tank of gas cost $50. Well, if you saved $40 per tank, it would take 75 tankfulls. Might be worth it to check into one of the seminars.
www.biodieselsolutions.com/home/home.asp |
| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 3:12:52 PM
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I were watching his favorite TV show,"Trucks." They showed how to make your very own bio diesel. I'm not sure exactly how much it cost, but I think the parts were around $200 and if you or someone you know is handy with a wrench, it didn't look all that hard to install. Anyway here's the link if anyone's interested and wants to try to make diesel from restaurant grease. If anyone tries this or does more research on it, please start a post about your results and findings.
www.truckstv.com/ingear.aspx?iid=5674&tid=6
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| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 1:12:01 PM
Kay,
I think the reason that Canadian oil is so expensive is that it is oil mixed up in tar sands. It is a large reserve, but the oil is more diffficult and costly to extract than middle eastern oil. The oil is also of lesser quality, therefore it doesn't travel by pipeline very well, which is the cheaper way to transport. It also requires more processing to be ready for the internal combustion engine. That accounts for the reason it is more expensive. |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 10:31:41 AM
While salaries in that range may seem excessive, so are the responsibilities of guiding a business that big. Much of the current profits are going into R&D, and they have to figure out how to compete with China. Their middle class is exploding, and their fuel needs are growing exponentially along with their manufacturing. Competition with China for barrels of oil is pushing prices up right now. |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 10:08:47 AM
What irks me most about this entire situation is that the CEO of Exon Mobil made $133,000 per *DAY* last year, according to the corporation's reports to shareholders. Their profit was over $30 billion!
I'm tired of hearing how much they are paying per barrel of oil, like the gas companies are taking a beating or something. I generally do not believe in lots of government intervention, etc., but I think it's time for the Justice Department or someone along those lines to launch an investigation into this whole situation.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 09:47:04 AM
Gas has hit $2.75 a gallon here and going up! Convenient that it is going up again right before summer vacation time hits. I heard on TV the other night that we actually get more of our oil from Canada than we do Middle Eastern countries. Does anyone know if this is true? If that's the case how come we have to pay such high prices? I'm not driving as much. Unfortunately where we live I have to drive a distance to shop but will be going into town once a week instead of several short trips a week. I need to be at home more anyway to get things done around here.
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
New Product -- Soap Souffle
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| FarrarFarmgirl |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 09:30:42 AM
I was thinking about this the other day as I was driving home from work and seeing the prices of gas go up again. We are the ones who are going to have to do whatever it takes to make up for the higher prices. By "we" I mean, citizens. Every business that relys on fuel is able to ad a surcharge or increase their prices to cover their increased fuel expenses. So in essence we are not only having to pay more to fill our tanks ($45, my last fill), but we are also having to pay extra to fill their tanks -that's a double whammy. That really stinks and in all honesty, is not fair, however, the only way we have around it is to help ourselves in what ever way we can. And you ladies have some very good ideas about how to get started doing that.
We have to stick together and continue to share ideas so that we can make a difference for our families. I have not yet found a way to charge extra for anything to get help from others to pay for my tanks of gas, so cutting out and sacrifice is the way to go. And probably not a bad idea, think of what it will mean for you and your family, just like Conne, is finding, it's not all bad not to be on the run every single day of the week. I know I'm going to have to really figure out just where I can create some savings for our household. And, just like Patti is discovering, even those little things add up. So the next time I hear "paper or plastic" I'm going to be going with paper.
I wonder how much difference it would make if all the grocery stores went back to only paper or offered only paper or cloth bags, and go rid of plastic all together? m-m-m-m-m-m just a thought.
Thanks for giving me a place to verbalize my thoughts, random as they are.
Blessings on your day and your efforts to keep your costs down and your family close.
In His hands,
Lynda
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt.
www.pamperedchef.biz/lorenzfamilycooks |
| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 05:01:56 AM
So many good ideas on how to save fuel from everyone. I have toyed with getting a moped, but haven't done it because I can either bike or walk to work on nice days, and after this year the situation might change. I'm going to night school for a Bachelor's in accounting, and anticipate a different job after graduation. But, fuel costs will definitely figure into what job I will take and where I will live.
The high cost of petroleum is starting to drive prices for a lot of things up, not just gasoline. I noticed this particularly with building materials, since I work for an architect. Right after hurricane Katrina prices for things like carpets, roofing materials, PVC pipe, electrical wiring( - the outside covering or insulation is vinyl) all went up. The prices haven't come back down, and since all of these products use a lot of petroleum the prices will probably keep going up. At some point this is going to affect people purchasing new homes, and I think there will be a slowdown in construction. Glad I am changing careers. |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 3:41:25 PM
Just wanted everyone to know that I wasn't trying to guilt anyone into riding bikes. I haven't really ridden since I became pregnant, because the books all say not to in case of a fall. One thing I've noticed is that it is easier in a town of less than say, 5-10K , or a large city, to walk or bike many places for errands. In small towns there's less traffic overall and distances are short for bike riding, and there tends to be sidewalks. In large cities, there's sidewalks everywhere, there is a culture of walking and public transit use, and it's actually pretty safe to ride bikes because there's so many stop lights, it's hard for traffic to get up to high speeds for sustained periods. It's the medium sized towns where most of the new development doesn't have sidewalks and has a lot of traffic, that makes it more difficult to not use a car. I could easily walk to the store close by, except that there are no sidewalks, and I can't really push a baby stroller in the heavy traffic. It's kind of frustrating, becaues I feel that I'm not living my values, ya know? |
| theoanne |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 3:16:27 PM
In Carrollton(50 mi. west of Atlanta) low grade @ Wal-Mart was 2.66 yesterday and rising. I am only 3 mi from work and have toyed with the idea of biking to work. There are several problems. It is dark out @ 0630 when I leave and I would be traveling on a 4 lane. Also It will soon be too humid to bike and get to work without smelling funny.:) I have played with the moped thought though. I'd looks like fun.
We are lucky so far on prices ( after seeing everyone elses) and the fact we are so close to work. dh is only 3 miles from job too. Carrollton is about 6-7 miles across town. I was worried about prices ,but now I'm worried for you guys. We are doing pretty well.
Lets hope it gets better ...notworse! Teddie |
| sonflowergurl |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 2:46:37 PM
Julie, I like your take on this! I'm in suburbs and really don't see an opportunity to move to the country any time before retirement. We keep going back and forth about buying in a regular subdivision or in the one where we currently rent because of the lot size differences versus the "ammenities". We keep leaning toward the subdivisions with ammenities because "that's where the people are"...(my husband is a youth pastor). So, if we took our desire to live on a farm and implemented an urban homesteading mindset, we could have the best of both worlds. I keep leaning to the more land side of things, but that's my farmgirl upbringing calling out to me! LOL I do think we could impact more people (both ecologically and spiritually) if we lived in a "closer" subdivision....
Thanks for making me think and look at this all from a different angle!
BTW--I'd love to ride my bike to work (at the local elementary school), but it's 3 miles on a two-lane BUSY highway with no sidewalks or shoulders....and I have two kids who would have to ride with me. Maybe we should look into getting into the subdivision across the highway from our current location, since they'll have a school opening there next year....I could transfer and then ride the bike to work too! (Something to consider, anyway.)
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 11:30:05 AM
Amie,
My husband and I are thinking about the same issues. We want to embody a positive, ecologically conscience lifestyle. We wonder if it is better to live in town and possibly influence those around us with urban homesteading, or do we live the back to the farm movement? Sometimes I think it would be better to show other townies how much they can do with their small plots (since that is where the majority of americans live, is in cities and suburbs with small growing capacity). Not everyone can live in the country, because hey, it wouldn't be the country anymore! I honestly believe the biggest impact for the planet would be demonstrating a more ecological lifestyle to the city and suburban dwellers and how they can change their environment.
Julie
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| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 11:22:42 AM
When I first started riding the bike, the traffic was nerve racking. But I grew accustomed to it. I quickly learned how to stay aware and judge what is going on around me. Traffic in India was often worse, as I was sharing the road with pedestrians, oxen-pulled carts, bicycles, mopeds, cars, trucks and buses, all vying for their space. Again, not everyone is comfortable with this, but I grew accustomed to it quickly.
I can say as someone who used to live in the city (Chicago, downtown), I didn't have to use the car that much if I didn't have a really good reason. I was able to walk everywhere or take public transit. I had a grocery store across the street and a shopping area with clothing stores within 6 or 7 blocks. There was a small paint and wallpaper store across the street also. A few blocks up there was a small hardware store, and further across town was a home depot. I was just a few blocks from the lakefront and Grant Park. There were a lot of pluses to my city lifestyle. I can't say that city folk actually drive more than country folk. I think that suburbia is more the culprit because of planning. I think that the key to being ecological with gas expenditures is planning errands to make the most of your gas and time. Just my two cents.
Julie |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 10:31:40 AM
I don't know about other areas, but as far as the utility situation goes, it's not a burden on municipal systems. In the county we're moving into, only a few towns have "city" water; everyone outside the city limits of those communities has wells (some folks might still have cisterns). The electricity is from a rural co-op that is centrally located in small towns throughout the state. Rural folks who use gas have propane tanks and buy their propane from a supplier; this has no effect on municipal gas, which is natural gas.
The gas issue is a valid one, but I think of all the unnecessary running around most of us who live in the city do every single day, and I'm pretty confident it is far more than the mileage dh will drive going back & forth to work.
Maybe I'm sticking my head in the sand, but I have my doubts that the situation is as dire as it's reported to be. Other countries have been using alternative fuel for years; we've lagged behind in this country, but we do have the resources to catch up, I believe. We also have lots of coal and off-shore resources we refuse to use. Castro & Cuba are mining off-shore sources closer to our shores than we currently allow our own companies to utilize.
I think there are all sorts of options, but the gas folks have a tight grip on things. The average consumer is going to have to take the time to become informed, take a stand, and pressure their senators/congressmen to enact change.
This may not be popular, but I also think there is going to have to be some compromises made between the ecology interests and those developing new fuel sources. The situation with the offshore resources is one example.
I have lots of mixed emotions about all this, but I think difficult decisions are going to have to be made by all of us.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 09:58:05 AM
I think everybody is aware by now that oil is only going to keep rising in price, and that someday (almost certainly within my lifetime) we are simply going to run out, and our way of life will change drastically.
I hate to bring this up, but I'm starting to wonder whether the "move out to the country" trend is really the best way to go.
In the event of a long-term, drastic energy crisis I suppose being a totally self-sufficient working farm would be a pretty good lifestyle. But during these transitional years, people who are farming part time or for fun, and still maintaining a commute to work and on on-the-grid lifestyle will be getting the worst of the rising energy costs.
Plus, extending supply lines for water and electric further out into the country for new homes just adds to the burden on our municipal systems. I've always - and I mean ALWAYS - wanted to live in the country, so it really pains me to think like this.
Am I being realistic, or not? |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 09:55:26 AM
For those rides where the distance is a bit too long for bikes, mopeds are nice. We had one where we used to live, and it was dirt cheap to use. We also have bikes, although where we live isn't safe for bikes. The roads are way too fast. We have to haul our bikes to bike trails for the most part. They're very nice, though; and I can easily cover fifteen miles in an hour, as long as the terrain isn't very hilly.
Gas here is about $2.89. In closer to the city it's over $3. Hubby now goes sixty miles each way to work (120 miles round trip) per day. He bought a Prius, and in his use averages about 50mpg. I'll be getting him another one later this year, and taking over his. I also have to have a truck to tow my horses, and I'll tell you, it's a sticker shock to fill that thing up! Last trip to the pumps cost over sixty bucks, and gas was even lower then. It really bites.
We've always combined trips, partly from economy of money, and economy of time. We're far from everything out here. We've never had air conditioning, and we set our thermostat at 68. We used to be much better at avoiding packaging, generating only about a bag of trash a month. Now it's about three a week. I'm not canning like I used to, nor do I burn much anymore. Since I burn manure and bedding (we generate FAR more than I could ever put on a garden!) I might start putting a few appropriate things out there. |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 07:57:48 AM
Forgot to put this in my previous post, but in many countries around the world, people routinely ride their bicycles to work. In india and amsterdam, there were thousands of people every day, in all kinds of weather riding their bicycles right along with traffic. |
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