Start Making Changes to Reduce Oil Dependency

The world watched in horror as vast plumes of oil spewed from the depths of the ocean in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 2010.  Americans decried the response from oil giant BP and residents of the Gulf Coast worried about their livelihoods, their health, the ecology of the area and if things would ever be the same.

While the well is now capped, the effects of the worst oil spill in history will be long lasting.  If this experience taught us anything, it’s that we need to reduce our dependence on oil, whether that oil is found domestically, or in foreign countries.  Regardless of where it comes from, we need to find better energy options.

Of course, making that change on a macro level is difficult.  Not only is the oil lobby fully entrenched in Washington D.C. with countless politicians in its pockets, but there are many naysayers that continually balk at the idea of giving up their SUV, recycling, or engaging in other “green” activity.  However, on an individual level there is much that can be done to reduce dependence on oil.

Follow these helpful tips around your house, when you are shopping, and in your daily life, and experience a less oil dependent life.

  • When you are working on your lawn, instead of buying a gas guzzling lawn mower, buy an old fashioned push mower.  Not only is it good exercise, it relies on your muscle alone!
  • Spruce up the area around your house by planting a vegetable garden.  You can cut down on the amount of food you have to buy, not pay for the fuel that it takes to get the food to the grocery store and/or farm it and you will reduce the amount of grass that you have to cut.
  • Looking to clean your wood floors?  Instead of using a petroleum-based floor polish or wax, buy beeswax.
  • Look for opportunities to buy recycled plastic; it’s better to reuse something that was already produced. A variety of products are made with this material, such as luggage, life vests, and sporting goods.
  • If you have the opportunity to walk or ride on public transit to get where you need to go, do it.  Not only will you save money on gas, but you will also extend the life of your car.
  • Instead of buying traditional printer ink that is made with petroleum, switch to soy-based printer ink and toner.
  • When buying cosmetics, consider all-natural organic lipstick and gloss.  Also, don’t buy perfume that is made with petrochemicals, buy natural scents and oils.
  • When you have a headache, drink a few glasses of water instead of immediately reaching for the Aspirin.  Even those tiny little pills are made with oil products!

It’s true that oil and petroleum-based products are all around us.  However, if we stay vigilant and aware of what we buy and use, we can cut down on our oil dependence.

Many people ask, “How Can I Help Reduce Our National Dependence On Oil?”. One obvious answer to this question is to select a vehicle that uses less petroleum. Also, there are other everyday ways to keep your car’s petroleum consumption as low as possible. You’ll not only benefit from lower operating costs, but probably cheap car insurance as well. Be sure to check out free auto insurance quotes before settling on a particular model.