Many people woke up this morning to gas prices higher than they have likely seen in their lifetime. As we prepare to traverse this week, I’d like to share some information that may be helpful for those who are wondering how they can afford to move from point A to point B during this price hike.
1. Contact Your Local Library System
This might sound strange to some, but public libraries are generally excellent portals of useful public resource information. For example, in Central Arkansas, where I am home based, there are programs to help people access free to cheap transit options.
2. Walk
I know I made some people’s eyes bug out with that one, but hear me out. Many of us have become accustomed to the convenience of hoping in our cars and could opt to walk to more places. Many years ago when I thought through what I wanted in my first home one of the top of the list requirements was that our home be within walking distance of food, grocery, entertainment, parks and a bus line. We managed to get all of that and more.
3. Put that bike on the streets and trails
Many cities and towns have been investing in alternative transportation plans that include trails that help people navigate on bikes and by foot. Now is a great time to check in and see what your town has to offer.
4. Carpool
It’s not just for parents taking turns dropping off kids. There are lots of ways to get a car pool started. You can reach out to your neighborhood association, set up a Facebook group, coordinate with co-workers at your job, etc.
5. Take your car in for a maintenance check up
Making sure your car is in good working shape can help it run more efficiently. Check GroupOn for discounts on basic services like oil changes and tire rotations or call your local shops to see if they are running any specials.
6. Take the train
If you are fortunate enough to live somewhere with a commuter train, get that monthly pass and use it.
The reality is that we are in a time of resource rationing. It is far better that we take voluntary action so that it does not become necessary for government has to require rationing. We need to be thoughtful about how we move about so that we don’t create a situation where we cannot maintain all of our essential services.
Marta is an award winning filmmaker, writer and producer committed to sharing the rich and complex stories of America’s Heartland region. Marta wears several hats as Chief Creative-in-Charge of MartaGwyn Productions, LLC as well as the Co-Founder and Senior Grant Writer of Youngblood and Associates, LLC and Chief Operations Officer of Marta Collier Educational Systems and Services, LLC.
Marta is also the founder and editor-in-chief of TheWRITEaddiction. An online community of writers that publish creative and inspirational works daily at www.TheWriteAddiction.com.
Marta is an alumna of The Ohio State University and Tougaloo College with degrees in Sociology and English-Journalism and resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband and unconventional college sweetheart of 10 years, Terrance Youngblood.
TheWRITEaddiction.com 