Oil prices have just hit a new record. How is it affecting you?

Wow, I hadn't thought much about non-car related oil, as we don't use it much. That's even more of a burden! I laughed when I read the bit about your brother ... my husband is exactly the same ... he'll drive round and round a carpark looking for the closest spot, and then be upset at the pump! We're over US $5 a gallon here in Australia (about AUS $1.50 a litre). We all are so used to driving to do everything.

yup-that's him LOL once in a while i'll ask him for a ride to go get groceries or something,but not for small trips-he'd tear my head off;) but they still kind of got you at food shopping-there's only so much you can carry.

True. We have a few companies that do home delivery groceries, but I think it would be more expensive than the petrol. Trouble is, oil prices are making all the food more pricey too! I'm thinking of getting one of those carts like little old ladies have so I can carry my groceries home ... lol.

Thats a good Idea, there are several farmers markets not too far from here and we go to that town to buy groceries anyways. Thanks

No worries. Hope it saves you some money!

That's so true! Another thing I do is buy in our local market. Things grown locally are much cheaper because they don't have to transport them, and therefore don't have the fuel costs. Seeing as I live quite near the city, there's not a lot of local produce, though.

Car pooling is a very good idea, thanks. I used to do that with another girl and it saved us a fortune. I would drive one week, and she drove the other. You do need to find reliable people, though, and I think this puts people off. Have you ever tried it?

:O Well the parking near the subway can accept more than 200 cars I think and the parking lot is free. But I live in Canada so it must differ from country to country. About the car, I can't confirm if it will happen but i am 85% sure they will make something. For instance, people in Alberta use solar electricity. Like their roof is covered by sheets which absorbs the sun's energy which is stored in a battery with no monthly fees. So they go on like this witouth strings everywhere. You can't even go blackout with that :P but if you use excess energy in your house, then it could be a problem. There are things that have been improved alot and that i am not even awared of it. So it might be possible with the car. As for myself, I don't drive but I know someone who has a hybrid. I heard positive critics from him but no negative..for now. I think it's better to wait..the scientist might prepare something even better than hybrid in 5 years or more lol. Just read the critics or forums on those type of cars. It will provide you more suggestions. peace ^^

It is an excellent idea to part near public transport. Thanks! You know, it was on our news last night that people are doing that to help the environment, and are now getting hit with big parking fines. Sometimes I think we live in a crazy world! I really do hope that you're right about new technology coming to the rescue. The next time I am in the market for a car, I'm going to do some serious research. Have you ever driven an electric car or a hybrid?

Thanks for the advice - I keep forgetting I'm in the right place for discussions ... lol! It is good that we are heading in the direction of better energy solutions. A lot of homes in Australia have gone solar, but it is still really expensive to set up, so the savings haven't made it worthwhile for everyone. Once the price comes down, I'm sure more people will definitely do it. I don't know how I'd go with an electric car - I find it hard enough to remember to charge my phone ... lol!

That's a really good idea. I'm so used to popping out for this and that. Planning everything into one trip would definitely save. Thanks. Any other ideas?