Coping with gas prices: Find alternatives |
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(I've stopped driving) to town for shopping that can
be accessed by the train. We're using more public transportation.
-- M.S.
I am a retiree with limited amount of funds coming
in each month. In my hometown, Houston, one can ride the buses for
free if you are aged 70 and over. I live in walking distance of
a supermarket, so I walk to the store when I need food. I have a
large canvas bag that holds all the food I purchase at the supermarket.
I have a post office box across town and I usually drive to the
post office. Gas prices in Houston average $3.70 per gallon, and
if prices continue to rise to $4 a gallon, I will use the bus. I
have canceled vacation time on the road and only use my automobile
for urgent needs. I remember the rationing of food and fuels during
World War II, so I am prepared for hard times if necessary.
-- Lowry M.
I just put our second car up for sale and took my bike out of storage. I'll save money both on gas
and insurance. I also sold all my stocks and put our summer home up for sale.
-- Leo
Unfortunately, the price of oil affects gas, clothing, food, etc.
We parked my wife's minivan in front of the house. Can't afford to run it or pay for it anymore. No
one will buy it. Finance company won't take it. Stopped payments. Waiting for the repo man to show up.
We use my subcompact sparingly. I like mass transit
so far.
We walk anywhere within a mile of home. Recently bought a shopping cart for food shopping.
-- T.S.
Ride my bicycle every place that is not over five
miles one way. Also, I will not be buying anything that I can't
carry on my bike.
-- Eugene H.
(I am) investigating telecommuting a day a week. My
boss doesn't generally go for it, but if prices go much higher,
we'll have to look into it. Many in our facility in other groups
do it and are just as productive, and the corporation is encouraging
it as well. It also leads to a bit more balanced work/home life
and would add an hour or more of available time for the days I didn't
have to drive in.
-- Charles O.
Compiled by Rose Raymond.
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