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Rising Costs Inspire Lifestyle Changes

EvaSmart
Rising gas prices are changing every part of life in the United States. People are losing their jobs at the thousands and have less spending power at the same time that the prices of all goods are increasing because of increased transportation costs. Families are increasingly hard-pressed to make ends meet and pay mortgages, let alone pay for higher education or other "optional" expenses. It feels like our culture is finally facing the costs of our wasteful ways and our foolishness at creating an economic system that depends upon fossil fuels.

The only positive part of our current crisis is that finally the majority of people are truly questioning our country's priorities and the way we have set up our lives. Commuting long distances alone in big vehicles now seems ridiculously indulgent, leading people to downsize their cars, park their gas guzzlers at home, take public transport or car pool. People are expressing feeling trapped by their lifestyles. More people than ever are asking the United States government to make changes to improve public transportation and asking their employers to accept four-day work schedules or telecommuting agreements. Small things, like forgoing plastic bags for reusable grocery sacs are finally catching on as we get a deeper understanding of the personal cost wastefulness can bring. Maybe Americans are finally getting it: resources are limited.

I hope that the next step in awareness includes a deep understanding that conservation and low-waste lifestyles are the first step, and that the next step is to replenish what we have lost. When that happens we will truly find hope in rising above this crisis. Making one change can truly create the growth of hope: hope that we will change our lifestyles, hope that we won't feel trapped by old choices or political price changes, and hope that the planet will continue to provide for us if we take care of it properly. Hope is why I believe in building our bamboo resources. Conservation is essential for today, and hope will get us to tomorrow. Hope, and work to replenish and restore.
4.833335
Average: 4.8 (6 votes)

It is sad that a major

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It is sad that a major reason why everyone is "going green" and looking to save on energy etc is because everything is getting expensive. They should have been living this way all along, and maybe it would have prevented his somewhat.

I think will see comsuption pattern chages soon

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I really expect to see $5 a gallon gas here in the US. I work in auto insurance and we are already seeing a drop in accident frequency as people are driving fewer miles. I think this will only increase.

You are starting to hear about people that are going back to the idea of shopping locally, rather than drive further to get to the discount store. As the fuel costs associated with the drive to Walmart start to offset their lower prices, local Mom and Pop stores may start to revive.

I think a very large structural change to our economy is beginning, and the environment stands to benefit.

my car rusts

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I definitely drive less and have gotten really good at bumming rides off of people.

With gas prices going to

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With gas prices going to touch $200 a barrel we might as well stay home and set up a office in the garage.

Crude oil

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Thank God Americans have finally woken up to reality. For decades Americans have lived on the earths resources without regard for future generations. We are feeling the pinch of ever rising fuel prices in the UK too, however, we never had a love for big cars and extravagance so we don't need to make too many drastic resolutions. Its time the world woke up and weaned itself from Oil and all its "crude" derivatives. Great site!

It's a start but ever so

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It's a start but ever so slowly. But there are far too many people who aren't conserving yet. And sadly we're so far behind Europe when it comes to public transportation.

Gas

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Those gas prices are killin me. I can't go ANYWHERE.

Rising Prices

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The rising prices of gas has actually made me exercise more. I ride my bike to places i would normally drive.

But it IS out of hand.

Green Tips

  • Waste-Free Lawn and Garden
    EPA
    Reduce your use of fertilizers and pesticides by planting grass and other vegetation that is native to your area.

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