Gary and I are car-pooling to work to save gas money. This morning we drove by a gas station in Olathe, KS and the price of regular unleaded was $4.17, almost double what the price was last year. I thought it was interesting just how many of our employees were finding ways to cope with this huge financial impact.
One of our employees, Adam, walked to work yesterday. Very impressive, considering it was over two miles and was a relatively warm day. Sam bikes to work everyday, and Randy alternates riding his bike and taking the bus. Jerric has purchased a small motor scooter and rides this to and from work. Trip works at home on most days, telecommuting unless his physical presence is required at the office. Derek rides his motorcycle. Sudhir either gets a ride from a friend to work and back or telecommutes. Some days Gary and I will pick him up on the way in.
Our corporate office is located in the River Market area of Kansas City, and, when we go out to lunch, our choices are determined by those restaurants that are within walking distance. Some employees bring their lunch as well.
On the whole, it seems that the employees of OpenMethods, while very unhappy about the situation, are managing to find ways to deal with the rising fuel costs.
I searched the internet, and found just a few more ways to save fuel costs.
- Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. You’ll spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel if you commute during off peak hours.
- Wash your car. Evidentially dust increases fuel consumption.
- Lose weight. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk, reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2 percent. Oh, they meant the car trunk. Well, it should work either way.
- Check your tires. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy by 0.4 percent for every pound decrease in pressure. But don’t over-inflate, it’s dangerous. That’s confusing.
- Don’t let your car idle. If you are waiting more than a couple of minutes, turn it off. However, I do not know if this will work while sitting in a traffic jam on i-35.
- Telecommute if your boss will let you. Working from home saves lots of fuel and lunch money.
Becky
