2008 Woodie Awards
Rising gas prices affect students' transportation
Alternative transportation can help the pocket book while helping the environment.
By Selina O. Affram
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Premiere
Originally published: 4/17/08 at 10:27 AM CSTLast update: 7/15/08 at 12:26 PM CST
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He recommended riding bikes, using VIA Metropolitan Transit, carpools and taking fewer and shorter trips.
Biology sophomore Fernando Galvan said he is likely to travel less because of rising gas prices.
"We should treat our energy sources as a luxury, rather than something to waste," Galvan said.
A common misconception is to fuel early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce vapors.
Strybos said during the heat of the day gasoline, which is a volatile compound, becomes a vapor quicker than in a cooler part of the day.
The vapors emit a strong smell of gasoline, which is dispersed into the atmosphere helping to boost unclean air levels.
He said this plays a role in problems concerning caring for the environment and fuel efficiency, Strybos said.
He said fuel efficiency can be attributed to the type of car, whether it is a newer or older model.
He said gasoline sources relate to the engine, battery and vehicle maintenance.
The City of Richland, Wash., Web site, www.ci.richland.wa.us, shares valuable tips about conserving gas.
Some tips include slowing down driving speeds and start ups because they burn more gas.
The Web site stated for every 5 miles per hour one accelerates over 55 mph, one mile per gallon is lost.
For example, driving at 65 mph means a car that usually gets 30 mpg may only get 28 mpg.
Other ways to be a conservationist are to avoid unnecessary braking and re-accelerating on vehicles, because pumping the gas pedal and revving the engine can contribute to gas loss.
Vehicle maintenance plays a vital role as well.
The Web site states that it is important to check batteries and radiator levels.
Without periodical tune-ups, 15 percent of fuel is lost due to misfiring plugs, inefficient fuel systems and malfunctioning emission controls. When tires are eight pounds under recommened inflation, tire resistance can increase by 5 percent and cause undue wear and tear on tires and increase fuel use.
"It is proven that a well-maintained vehicle operates more efficient, receives better gas mileage and is beneficial to the environment," Strybos said.
Strybos said people should be aware of how many producats are made from petroleum.
Plastic bags come from oil, but in places like Central Market and Whole Food stores, paper bags are used, and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, he said.
The availability and the number of products made from oil are tied into the economy, and as gas prices increase, it's impacting the economy, Strybos said. He added it is important to evaluate alternatives to conserve natural resources and energy.
"Petroleum has driven the United States economy," he said.
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