I was listening to NPR yesterday on my way to work and the topic of hypermiling came on. Hypermiling is changing your driving behavior (to the extreme) to save gas, in so many words. We all are feeling the huge pinch from the gas pump now that gas is $4.00/gallon on average. If you’re anything like me, I’ve been thinking about useful and PRACTICAL ways I can save gas which in turn will help save me money.

There are several different sites you can visit to learn how to “hypermile” and conserve your gas usage. There are also a ton of myths out there. If you’re interested in knowing what those myths are, please check out Lifehacker’s Gas Saving Tips And Myths article.

Kent Johnson, a self-proclaimed hypermiler, was interviewed by NPR for their hypermiling article. He has some great tips on how we can all save gas by changing our behavior in how we drive to and from a destination. Whether it’s driving without your shoe on so you can better feel the pressure on the gas pedal or coasting in neutral when you’re driving down hills, these small tips begin to add up.

Some other tips that NPR covered were: cease stop-and-go driving, too much braking and liberal use of the A/C. Two of the most useful hypermiling tips that hit me over the head were (1) Use cruise control as much as possible when driving as it evens out your gas usage and (2) Drive the speed limit! The faster you drive, the more gas you consume (dang it)!

Now, we all don’t have to be extreme hypermilers to save gas and therefore save money. Lifehacker suggests you do your research by checking GasBuddy.com (tells you which stations have cheapest gas in your area) and keeping your car in great shape by tuneups and oil changes.

So, my gas saving readers, what are your thoughts? What do you do in order to save gas and therefore save money? Leave a comment below!

http://www.vimeo.com/1016606

For my first post for Bloggers Unite For Human Rights, I wanted to touch on a subject that is obviously near and dear to me. I get asked all the time by people from all races, religions and sexual orientations, “How can I help support equality for all people, including gays and lesbians?” Well I can’t think of a better way than being educated on where corporations in America stand for human rights and equality.  In other words, the dollars you spend with companies MATTERS.

As I said in the video above, here’s a link for a free copy of the Human Rights Campaign’s 2008 Buyer’s Guide For Equality. Each corporation is graded on a scale (green is the highest grade and red is the lowest grade) which gives you an insight on where they stand for human rights and equality in the workplace. It’s 2008 people… it’s time for ALL of us have to equality in this world. This isn’t a religious topic… this is about Human Rights!

Please take some time to download this free pdf file and start supporting those corporations that have been graded green! It’s time we show the world that we support companies who support equality and rights for every human being.

Please leave a comment below and let me know YOUR THOUGHTS on this subject. As long as you’re respectful, any comment will work.