Slow down to conserve fuel

Want to save gas on your drive? Try slowing down. I kept our car between 55-60 mpg on the drive to and from Decorah, Iowa yesterday and managed to average 54 mpg. I was driving a 7 year old Prius. As someone who likes to conserve energy, I discovered it really helps to have a consumption meter on the dash that shows which speeds are best for fuel economy.

One of the biggest challenges in order to conserve energy while driving is the willingness to NOT go with the flow.

How about practicing conservation?

Must we in the United States be so heavily dependent upon fossil fuels, like gas and oil?  A short answer is, NO.  An article in the New York Times, Life after Oil and Gas, describes how other countries are utilizing renewable energy sources and practicing conservation. I was surprised and encouraged to learn that thirteen countries are getting more than 30 percent of their electricity from renewal sources.

It was disturbing to realize that European vehicles have been getting 30 percent better gas mileage than American ones.  Recently we are however seeing a dramatic increase in fuel economy, thanks in large part to President Obama's administration, that has mandated an increase the fuel economy up to 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025 (U.S. Sets Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards).

I hope that we will continue to work hard at developing renewal energy sources, conserving more and wasting less.  Not only is this good for the environment, it is also more economical over time, and the "conservative" thing to do!