How to Cut Gas Costs by Driving Less

Gas prices have us all teetering on the edge of our budgets. Here's how to cut back on your driving so you can have more left over at the end of the month.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small notebook and a pen
• Computer with an Internet connection
• Friends and neighbors

1. Keep a small notebook in your car and log how many miles you drive each week. This will keep you aware of any wasted mileage.

2. Use Mapquest and Google to find new addresses so you can get there by the most direct route. Compare the two, because sometimes they don't have the same path.

3. Consolidate errands. This way, you don't burn extra gas by coming home between each task. This is also more time-efficient.

4. Form a neighborhood carpool for kids' activities or a work carpool to save time, money and wear-and-tear on your car.

5. Do your grocery, drugstore, and basic shopping on the Internet. It also saves time!

6. Check out your local public transportation options. They can be more convenient than you think.

7. Get a list of ingredient substitutions and use them rather than running to the grocery store when you're out of something.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative. There are many other ways that you can cut down on using your car.
• Saving gas also saves the earth!

Resources

• Mapquest
• Google