It is amazing that just five short years ago we were paying less than $2.00 per gallon for gasoline. In 2003 I was paying around $1.60 for a gallon of regular. The days of low prices are gone and any excuse is a good one to raise the price of gas. These rising gas prices have taken a toll on the economy and the cost of living. If gas prices and food were calculated into inflation it would be off the chart. We will chronicle the experience of a consumer. We will, for privacy reasons call him Joe (average Joe). We will have Joe give us regular reports on how much his purchases have increased in price. Joe wants to find a way to conserve gasoline to help his wallet and increase the gasoline supply.

There is only one way for consumers to combat gas prices, use less gas. Using less gas will give more back into the supply chain decreasing demand. Less demand will drive down prices. At first glance it may seem impossible for the individual to decrease gas consumption. There are creative ways to do this and keep your lifestyle. Here are a few.

• If you are thinking of selling your home you could buy a new one closer to work
• If you live near bus stops you can take city transit, this will become more popular as gas prices push near $4 per gallon this year.
• Hybrid / Electric cars - The technuology has improved a lot over the last few years.
• Car pool - We give this one five stars, it is a way to share the expenses with others and cut your gas consumption in half.
• Change jobs - if you are thinking of changing jobs try to find one closer to home. If you can work from home change to it.
• Scooter - Unless you live and work in low traffic areas we don't suggest this one. There are enough drivers who are distracted by cell phones and other things. You might not survive long with this option. You are at the mercy of all drivers.
• Trips / Vacation - Run your trips and vacations as close to home as possible. Seeing the sights of America is a great thing but try shorter trips. If you keep your trip to a couple of hours you would reduce gas consumption and strengthen your local economy.
• Reduce your electricity use - Reducing your electricity will reduce the amount of fuel used in some electricity production.

Saving money on gasoline will free up more money for you and your family and is the only control we have over the increasing costs of gasoline.

More suggestions will be written in time, especially for Huntsville Alabama.