Re-run

Back in the end of august 2005, an e-mail was floating around about how we, the little guys, could stick it to the man by boycotting gas stations on September 1st. The idea went around faster than fat kids in a candy store. Everyone did their part to bring down the system by: "Forwarding this Email". After all it seemed like a good idea. Right? I'm guessing the idea started in the states, because September 1st was a day before a long weekend in Canada. That means loading up the quads, boat, and fifthwheel trailer and heading out to enjoy the great out-doors, topped off with a hint of pilsner and two-stroke oil. Needless to say, not the best timing to bring down the oil industry and their assocciated pillars of western democracy. I'm sure you remember the chaos that followed.....

Anyhow, I responded to this mobilzation of the masses, and their planned green revolution, with, you guessed it, An E-Mail! And yes, I forwarded it too. So for those of you, whom haven't had the pleasure, I will re-print my letter here. As for those who have read it, your stuck with a re-run. Yup, two days into this, and I'm already digging up the past. And while I'm on the topic, don't think I'm going to do this every day. Let the novelty wear off, and see how often this happens.

And now, on with the show: (Sent on August 27, 2005)

Okay, so this marks about the fourth time I've seen this e-mail in the last few days. I'm sure that most of you have seen it too. So I think it's time I climb up on my milk crate and add in my two cents.

I've read before and I believe it to be true, that the gas companies don't give a hoot if we all ban together and don't buy gas for one day.

First of all, best intentions aside, how many people are likely to make the boycott? Not every body in the country reads their e-mail, or gets e-mail for that matter. Business still need to do business, kids still need to go to school, people still need to get to work. (Yeah Yeah, public transit. I live in a small town, and work outside of town. Public transit does not exist for alot of people in this country. And that is another rant all together.) Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of the intent of the boycott (And I will do my best to take part), but the show must go on.

Second, the gas companies know that sooner or later that ol' pick up truck, or suburban is going to get thirsty, and you're going to come crawling back. You have to. The percentage of autos on the road that don't need fossil fuel (Pure electric, H2, Bio-fuel) is so small it's not worth their time. (Yet. read BioDiesel) So if you don't buy your gas on September 1st. Oh well. That means you filled you tank in August, or you're waiting till the 2nd. And the Tiger and the clam know that.

So what do I think? Well, since you've asked. Go ahead, take part in the boycott. The message and the idea is great. $1+/L really sucks. And as somebody (ironically) tied to the oil and gas industry, why should I have to pay so much for a local product?

But that isn't the answer. That is a band-aid solution. Because as oil and gas reserves become deeper, and further away, and generally harder to get the price is going to go up. Basic economics. In Europe it's been pushing $3cdn/L. and maybe that's not a bad thing. Why? Because look at what they are driving. Smaller, more efficient cars. Soccer moms do not need to be driving Chevy 3500 crew cabs, or Hummer H2s. Hell, 9 out of 10 people driving H2s, dont need anything made by Hummer.

Don't worry about the price of gas. Worry about you're dependence on fossil fuels. Want to make a difference? Want to take a hit out of "The Man"? Change.

Walk.
Don't let you're car idle for 30 min in the morning before you drive to work. (I live in northern Alberta, do don't give me any garbage about it has to warm up in the winter. Plug it in for 4 or 5 hours, and it will only need a few minutes)
Give your car a tune up.
Evaluate your needs. Less than 10% of all 4x4s ever see dirt. Recreationally, or not. So if you're part of that other 90% you're hauling around a bunch of flashy dead weight that is doing nothing but bringing you back to the pumps sooner.
Ride your bike.
Car pool.
Turn off the lights if you're not in the room.
Replace lights with Low wattage compact fluorescents.
Turn down the thermostat when you go to sleep, and during the day when you go to work. The dog will be fine if it's only 19c in the house.
Take public transit. (if it's there)
Push government for a transit system that works. Not just locally, but nationally. Why isn't there a train between Calgary and Edmonton?
Use cold water.

Get the idea? The gas pumps are where you see it first, but keep an eye on you're natural gas bill, and tell me what direction it's going.

Gas price are not going down. But that doesn't mean you can't save money. Try out some of these ideas, and see. You may be surprised how much you can save. And best of all, it helps out the environment.

Spread the word. Don't by gas on Sept 1. And if you can, don't by it on the 2nd either......