Gas: Getting Us Where We Need To Go, Or Carrying Us Further Away?

Petroleum has been the world’s primary energy source since the 1950’s. Most of us rely on it every day in the form of gas to power the internal combustion engines that run our cars. The United States is the number one consumer of petroleum and petroleum gasoline (we will likely be surpassed by China this year). But the use of this powerful resource comes at a price. In fact, as oil reserves are depleted at a record pace and gasoline costs rise, the time has come to ponder important questions about the future of our energy production.

Is our dependence on oil worth it? And what can we do to reduce that dependence?

The High Cost of Business-Oil Business, That Is

It is estimated that there are currently 1.2 trillion barrels of oil in known natural reserves. With consumption rates estimated at 84 million barrels a day, those reserves could run out as early as 2039 if new technologies don’t decrease our need or find more efficient ways to use that oil. Our dependence on oil poses a high cost to our planet, and with much of the world’s economy dependent to some degree on oil, things could eventually turn catastrophic.

But, even as we hear about the depletion of this natural resource, our dependence is increasing. About 90% of fuel used for transportation (including train and plane transportation) is produced using petroleum. Cars are getting bigger rather than smaller, with statistics showing that the average new vehicle produced in 2003 consumed more gasoline than its 1988 equivalent. With trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (the popular SUV) gaining in popularity, we’re using more fuel than ever before.

Oil companies are seeing record profits, but gas prices continue to rise. In January of 2005, the average price of a gallon of gas in the United States was $1.84. By May of that same year—just five months later—it was up to $2.16 per gallon. That same year, oil companies claimed a record $100 billion in profits, and oil company stock value soared. With gas prices soaring to $3 per gallon or more (and oil futures going through the roof), our dependence on oil isn’t necessarily in our own best interest—either financially, or environmentally .

The Internal Combustion Engine: Get Up And Go, Or Get Out Now?

New technologies could reduce our need for oil. The electric motor is much more energy efficient than the internal combustion engine, which is the standard motor on all personal use vehicles as well as most industrial vehicles. These engines are more damaging to our planet, yet we continue to use the internal combustion engine instead of moving on to more efficient and cleaner-burning electric engines.

The standard petroleum-fueled internal combustion engine runs at a 20% efficiency rate. It releases carbon dioxide, soot, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides into the air—pollution issues that don’t occur when alternative fuels or other kinds of motors are used. Sulfur oxides contribute to acid rain, while nitrogen oxides are harmful to animals and plants. If internal combustion engines run on biomass materials (materials made from plants), there is no carbon dioxide produced. Carbon dioxide, which is thought to contribute to global warming, is a byproduct of burning petroleum fuels.

While we know that other engines such as the electric engine are cleaner for the environment and more cost-efficient, big oil companies have made it a point to stand in the way of their production and use.

What Can You Do Now?

Even though electric and hybrid cars are tentatively making their way onto the scene, there are things you can do to decrease the environmental and economic impact of your internal combustion engine. Follow these tips to get the most out of your time behind the wheel while using the least:

• Drive at a steady pace. Stop-and-go driving uses more fuel.
• Don’t speed. Gas efficiency drops dramatically when driving faster than 40 mph.
• Turn off the air conditioner if possible.
• Roll up the windows. This reduces drag and increases aerodynamics.
• Perform regular car maintenance.
• Don’t leave unnecessary items in your car. For every extra 100 lbs of stuff left in your trunk, efficiency drops 1 to 2 percent.
• Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
• Run all errands in one trip. When your car has been driven, the engine is warmer, which means it uses fuel more efficiently.
• Don’t idle for more than a minute. If you’re waiting in the car for someone, turn off the engine.
• Work from home if possible, and carpool if you can.

These simple steps may not sound like much, but each one will make a big difference in the amount of fuel you use, how much pollution you emit, and how much money you spend.

Author: Nan Little
Website: http://www.123FeelBetter.net/