reduce my dependance on oil

Bought myself a bicycle for my birthday, and have been using it to commute to work. :-) I love the ride, and I’m getting in better shape as well as reducing my dependence on oil.

I now have a vehicle that can take me anywhere I want to go at no cost. Sweet!

In some ways, this has been kind of hard to do, since I had already narrowed down my consumption in a lot of ways before I took to this goal. But this year, one thing I have been doing is buying locally grown produce at the Farmer’s market up the street—definite reduction in oil usage when it doesn’t have to be flown in from south America and shipped to my local chain grocery store.

It’s also taught me to think more about the seasonality of vegetables and meats—I can only buy what’s currently ready, I can’t do a thing about fresh strawberries in November when I buy locally.

Not using the AC in my car.

Using re-usable rags, hankies, and other hygiene items to reduce use of paper products—and the oil needed to manufacture them.

Walking to store when possible, otherwise, planning all my travel to maximize the number of things done and reduce the number of trips.

Driving the speed limit. And to hell with everyone who honks at me for doing so—you’re spitting raw gasoline out your exhaust when you exceed 55. Your money, you SUV drivin’ moron.

Cleaning and reusing glass jars rather than buying plastic containers.

Using simple cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, et cetera, instead of petrochemical products.

Summer is coming, and we have a REAL solar oven; I plan to start using it. That will help, too.