Do Sweat the Small Stuff

By Christopher Forestieri

“My opponent doesn’t want to drill, he doesn’t want nuclear power, he wants you to inflate your tires.”

That was John McCain’s mocking response to Barack Obama’s suggestion that very simple car maintenance, such as monitoring tire pressure, could have as great an impact on reducing our dependence on foreign oil as offshore drilling.

While I understand the necessity of “spin” in campaign season, there has been a surprising amount of debate over this seemingly innocuous statement.

Many have been quick to point out that, when you look at the numbers, properly inflated tires would not have as large an impact on our nations energy problem as offshore drilling would. But on the other side, as recently noted by the L.A Times, “offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf ‘would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030,’ according to the government's Energy Information Administration.”

Whatever the case, I find it ridiculous to mock what is ultimately a very useful suggestion towards increasing our nation’s conscious of its energy consumption and ways to be more efficient with it. Ultimately, steps beyond well inflated tires will need to be taken, and both candidates have been refining and articulating their energy plans to that extent.

Still, while we sit and wait for our government to find a solution, and with the broaching of the highly contested issue of offshore drilling this could be a lengthy debate, there are steps we as individuals can take to both relieve the burden of rising oil costs as well as to offset the impact of depleting resources and damaging the environment; if not for the good of the country and the planet, then at least for your wallet.

While alternative methods of travel such as public transportation are the best way to keep oil costs down and reduce the impact your travel has on the environment, some of us have jobs or live in rural areas where driving is a must. But if you must drive, drive smart.

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association has assembled a list of simple tips to keep your car running at optimum efficiency.

While some of these tips may seem common knowledge to some, many tend to take them for granted. Something as simple as driving five mph slower can really have an impact on how often you fill up your gas tank. And remember, it’s not an all or nothing situation; some of these tips may not fit your travel needs; that’s OK.

For example, on a sweltering August afternoon in Virginia, you’re not going to find me driving with my air-conditioning off. However, I try to balance that luxury by turning it off on cooler days and making other energy efficient choices such as taking the Metro when I can.

What’s important is to be cognizant of the little things and to employ them whenever possible.

Photo from the LA Times