Who isn’t thinking about gas prices these days? For so many, especially those on a fixed income or those in entry-level jobs, pump prices over $4 a gallon can cause considerable financial pain. A local St. Pete bank has some easy tips on how to save gas and prepare for the future.
Climate First Bank in St. Petersburg is offering some solid advice on what to do to save gas money and loosen the grip fossil fuels have on so many lives.
“I think these prices are just a sign of what is to come,” said Lauren Dube’, director of Client and Mission Partnerships for Climate First Bank. “Fossil fuels are a limited resource and as we continue to use them, there is only going to be more wars” and other upheaval in the world revolving around resources that are detrimental to the planet.
Related: Board Members at Climate First Bank to Further Environmental Mission
As a bank, Climate First focuses on ESG—Environmental, Social and Governance—as its three pillars of business. “Those principles give Climate First Bank a framework to stay transparent and accountable to our mission,” Dube’ said.
Finance, she said, is a big motivator when it comes to deciding about what to invest in. “We can use that as a force for good.”
Going electric
For those who can afford it, now is the time to purchase an electric vehicle, something the bank promotes, Dube’ said. “As the supply of fossil fuels decreases and the demand remains, it impacts prices at the pump. Solar and EV don’t rely on those resources. We have the ability to be independent from those resources as we continue to make changes.”
And changes, such as switching to electric vehicles, will have a positive effect on the environment, she said. “Look at the impact climate change is having on our environment. Global temperatures are rising, which impact sea level, which affects our coastal communities. Car emissions impact pollution levels. All we are doing right now is buying ourselves time, but things are only getting worse.”
Gas prices are having a dire impact on low-income communities, so the bank encourages local communities to build more EV charging networks so more people have access.
Gas saving tips
- Keep up with routine vehicle maintenance. Including oil changes and tire pressure to help vehicles run more efficiently.
- Drive less aggressively. Avoid speeding, then stopping quickly. It saves gas and makes you a more considerate driver.
- Consider joining a carpool. “A lot of people are averse to carpooling, especially with COVID, but if you have friends you are comfortable with, carpooling is a great way to save on gas,” Dube’ said.
- Combine errand runs. While running out to the grocery store, hit the post office, the hardware store and the nail salon all in one trip.
- Carpool kids to school. For those already hauling their youngster to school, team up with other parents to share rides. If three students are riding, parents can take turns transporting them to school and home each day. “It’s important with gas prices so high and it makes you a better neighbor,” Dube’ said.
- Take the most fuel-efficient route. When using a GPS, use the feature that gives an option for taking the most fuel-efficient option. “Every time I pull up my phone, I find new ways to travel that are better on gas, routes I might never have considered,” Dube’ said.
- Turn off the car air conditioner during these cooler days of spring. “My grandfather used to always yell at me about the AC in the car,” Dube’ said. “It affects fuel consumption. One thing I try to do is if I don’t need it, I turn it off. If I am only a few miles from home, I turn off the AC and just use the cooled car for those last few miles.”
- Leave the car windows down when driving locally. But once a car is on the interstate, driving with the windows down causes a drag, so roll them up.
- Be mindful of what might be in your car. Rooftop travel rack? Remove it if it is not in use. That trunk full of tiles? Get them out of the car to drive with more fuel efficiency.
- Use mass transit if available. It makes for a more relaxing commute to work without spending so much to travel back and forth.
- WFH. Businesses should employees to continue working from home or give them a hybrid schedule, where they only come to the office when necessary.
“Gas can be a good percentage of someone’s income,” Dube’ said. So, using some simple tips can save some of that money.
