Gasoline Credit Cards

By Alisa Miller

As drought has stretched across much of the nation, it’s a great time to find ways to conserve water. If everyone used less water on a regular basis, the amount of water conserved would add up quickly. If you would like to find simple ways to use less water, then follow these tips to get you started. Before you know it, you’ll be a conservation professional.

In the Bathroom

Waking up first thing in the morning, saving water might not be on your mind. Try to incorporate these tips in your daily routine, though, for some great ways to use less water.

1. Brushing teeth. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth, then turn it back on when you are ready to rinse. This can save nine gallons of water.
2. Bathe. Take a bath rather than a shower: it uses less water if you like to stand in your shower a while.
3. Bathe less frequently. Unless you’ve really been working up a sweat, it’s likely you could go every other day with a bath rather than bathing every day. Not only will you save water, but your skin will appreciate the break too.
4. Toilet. If your toilet needs replacing, be sure to install a low flow toilet. You can also choose one with duel flushing, so when you need to use less water, you can choose the lighter flush.
5. Shower head. If you can’t break the shower habit, at least change your shower head to a one that is water-efficient.
6. Shorter shower . Another tip for die-hard shower people is to keep your shower short. Set a timer for 5 minutes and get yourself out when your time is finished.
7. Check for leaks. Make sure your toilet isn’t leaking. If it is, make the simple repairs to save over 600 gallons of water a month.
8. Replace the flapper. For just a few dollars and about five minutes of your time, you can replace the flapper and save on water that would be unnecessarily running from the toilet.
9. Bathe together. Two in a shower takes less water than two separate showers. Also, if you have young children, they can take a bath together rather than filling the tub two or three times.
10. If it’s yellow…. Follow the adage, “If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” Flushing urine every second or third time saves water.
11. Older toilets. If your toilet is from before 1980, add a bottle of water to the tank to use less water for refilling the tank each flush.
12. Navy Shower. Take a navy shower, which requires that you only turn on the water when you are rinsing the soap or shampoo from your body.
13. Reuse towels. Instead of washing your towel after every use, reuse those towels. Washing them once a week will save considerably on water.

In the Kitchen

Another place where water usage is wasted easily, the kitchen offers a great opportunity to save water. From reusing water to not leaving the tap running, you will find plenty of ideas to use less water in this list.

1. Hand washing. Don’t leave the water running while you rinse dishes. Fill up the sink with clear water and dunk your soapy dishes there for a rinse.
2. Full load. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. It takes the same amount of water to wash four dishes as it does a full load. The same goes for the laundry room–don’t run the washing machine unless you’ve got a full load.
3. Compost. Rather than using the garbage disposal, which requires water, compost that waste. Not only will you have saved water, but you’ll be making your own free compost for your landscaping.
4. Produce. Wash your produce like you rinse your dishes. Fill up the sink and clean your produce in that water rather than running the water in the sink.
5. Thawing. Don’t use running water to defrost your food. If it’s meat, let it thaw in the refrigerator over night. If you need a quick thaw, fill your sink with just enough hot water to cover your item, then let it soak.
6. Soak. For those stuck-on food problems, let the pots and pans soak in standing water a while and the food will come right off. It saves water and elbow grease over scraping under running water.
7. Don’t rinse. If your dishwasher is newer, pre-rinsing is not necessary. Just scrape the big particles of food into your compost pile and put the dishes straight into the dishwasher.
8. Don’t soften. Only install water softening devices if absolutely necessary. The process of softening the water generates more water that is flushed out with other household wastewater.
9. Add less water. Adding less water when cooking not only saves water, but it also maintains more of the nutrients in the food.
10. Kettle. Only fill the tea kettle with as much water as you need. Overfilling and pouring the extra down the drain wastes water.

In the Laundry Room

Washing clothes requires a lot of water. Use these tips to help reduce the amount of water used to do your laundry.

1. Water level. Be sure to match the water level in the washer to the size of your load. Don’t wash just a few clothes in the large load.
2. Hand wash. If you just have one or two items to wash, don’t throw them in the washer. It’s easy to hand wash those items in the sink and save a lot of water.
3. Front load washer. When it’s time to replace your washing machine, choose a front load washer. They use less water and are also more gentle on your clothes.
4. Lint filter. If your washing machine has a lint filter, keep it clean. A clean filter can prevent overflow problems.
5. Detergent. Use a high-efficiency detergent. The lower amount of suds will rinse more quickly. Some washers detect the suds and keep rinsing until they are all gone.
6. Recycle water. Attach a hose to your washing machine outlet pipe and redirect that wash water. Collect the water to use on the yard.

In the Yard

Achieving a beautiful lawn is the goal for many homeowners. Be smart when you go for the “Yard of the Month” sign and take the advice below for ways to use less water in your yard.

1. Xeriscape. When you purchase plants or grass for your yard, choose those that are indigenous to your region. They will require less water and less maintenance.
2. Sprinkler system check. Make sure your sprinkler system is adjusted correctly so that the water is going on the yard and not the sidewalk or street. Also, make sure it’s not running so long that the yard gets saturated and extra water runs out into the street.
3. Rain sensor. Check to see if your sprinkler system has a rain sensor, and if it does, use it. That way, your sprinkler system won’t go off unnecessarily if it’s just rained. If your system doesn’t have one, see about installing one.
4. Time your planting. Plant during the spring or fall when you need to use less water. In addition to saving water, you are also giving your plants time to become established before summer rolls around.
5. Time your watering. Water your yard in the early morning or late evening when the sun is less hot. Rather than evaporating, the water goes where you want it–to your yard.
6. Adjust your mower. Mow your grass so that it is a little longer after mowing. The longer blades will shade the roots and keep moisture on the soil longer.
7. Soaker hose. Using a soaker hose lets water trickle down slowly, ensuring that all the water goes in the ground and not on sidewalks. This is especially handy if your landscaping is on a hill where water would naturally run off while watering.
8. Fertilize lightly. Fertilizing the yard requires more water. Use fertilizer sparingly, or better yet, find natural ways to feed your yard.
9. Weed. Weeding your yard eliminates extra plant life that steals the water from your lawn. Additionally, your yard will look nicer.
10. Rake and save. Save your leaves until the spring and use them as a natural mulch. Adding this mulch to your garden will retain moisture on the soil and require less watering.
11. Chooser your sprinkler. When choosing a sprinkler, chose one that distributes large droplets of water. Small droplets evaporate quickly while the large droplets get more water in the ground.
12. Hand water. For small sections of the yard, hand water them. You can direct the water to exactly the spot that needs it.

Around the house

From retrieving dropped ice cubes to reusing water for house plants, you will find lots of helpful tips in the list below to use less water around the house.

1. Driveway. Don’t clean your driveway with the water hose. Instead, use a push broom and sweep the drive or use a shovel for those tough jobs.
2. Car washing. If you like to wash your car at home, turn off the water in between rinses. Don’t let the water run down the driveway while you scrub the car. Better yet, use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
3. Plants. Collect rain water to water the plants, or reuse the water you used to rinse your produce if rain isn’t in your weather forecast. If you have an aquarium, when cleaning the tank, reuse that water for plants too.
4. One glass. Keep one glass out all day for drinking water. Getting a new glass every time you get water unnecessarily dirties dishes and requires you to run the dishwasher more often.
5. Toss the tissue. Throw your used tissues in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet. Unnecessary flushing wastes water.
6. Pets. Bathe your pets in a section of the yard that needs water. Be sure to turn off the water while you are lathering Spot.
7. Washing hands. While soaping up your hands, turn off the water. Running water while you are soaping just wastes it. Also, use cold water rather than wasting water while waiting for the hot water to heat.
8. Oops ice. Dropped ice cubes on the floor? Don’t throw them in the sink. Put them in your pet’s water bowl or stick them in a house plant.
9. Main water valve. Know where your main water valve is located and how to turn it off. In case of a leak, getting it turned off quickly can save a huge amount of water.
10. Covers. Use covers on your pool or spa. By covering them, you can greatly reduce evaporation, thereby requiring less water to maintain proper levels.
11. Monitor your bill. Keep an eye on your water bills and be aware if there seems to be a jump in the amount of usage that you can’t explain. This is frequently the way most homeowners recognize when a leak has occurred. You will save both money and water by staying on top of leaks.
12. Every day. Do at least one thing every day to save water. By making a conscious effort to conserve water every day, you will be making a huge difference.

By Alisa Miller

Fuel costs are rising, summer is approaching with its typically higher gas prices, and there is no end in sight. Any way to save money by using less gas is a welcome relief. From using alternate transportation to changing how it works, the following suggestions will help you find a way to use less gas. While you may not be able to take advantage of all these great tips, there is sure to be enough to help you and your wallet.

Alternate Transportation

If you can lose the car altogether, that is the best way to use less gas. Even if you don’t sell your car outright, using it occasionally while relying on these suggestions most of the time will save you tons.

1. Walk. Take advantage of the easiest and cheapest form of transportation–walking. If your destination is within a mile or two, you can easily walk the distance. Not only will you save gas, but you will be doing something healthy for your body, too.
2. Take the bus. Grab a bus schedule and try taking the bus instead of jumping in your car for every trip. Some cities offer days with free bus rides when pollution is high, too.
3. Park and Ride. Is the bus stop too far from your house? Many places offer park and ride options. Drive your car to a designated parking lot, then catch the bus from that location. You will significantly reduce the gas you use that way.
4. Catch the Train. If your city has light rail or some type of commuter train, ride the train to your destination. Trains are an option for traveling as well. Check out the AMTRAK schedule and see if you can plan your next trip on the train.
5. Ride a bike. Bicycles aren’t just for kids. Hop on your bike and get to your destination more quickly than walking. And just like walking, if you are going somewhere within a few miles, the bike makes a lot of sense. Here’s a few more reasons to ride your bike.
6. Xtracycle. So you have kids and say you can’t ride a bike and transport them, too? Now you can with the Xtracycle. Think how much gas you’ll save using this baby. Also, check out this blog post from Clever Cycles that demonstrates more multi-folk bike riding.
7. Drive a scooter. Scooters are all the rage right now. Trade in your car and buy a scooter outright. You’ll have no car payment and the scooters get up to 80 miles to the gallon.
8. Motorcycle. Somewhere between a car and a scooter lies the motorcycle. You can’t beat the gas savings you will get with a motorcycle, plus you can enjoy the freedom of the open road.
9. Rollerblade. Rather than walk, why not rollerblade to work? It’s much faster and still requires no gas. Read this to find out if rollerblading will work for you.
10. Segway. Security guards and tour guides are showing up on Segways, so why not ride one to work? Find out how this blogger enjoyed his first try with a Segway.

Improve Your Car from the Inside

By making sure your car is running smoothly and in tip top shape, you will be using much less gas when you drive your car. Find out the most important elements to ensuring good gas mileage for your car.

11. Check your air filter. Check your air filter to see if it needs to be changed. Consider upgrading to a better quality filter. Both of these suggestions will keep gas money in your pocket. Learn how to change your air filter yourself with this article.
12. Change your fuel filter. Like your air filter, keeping your fuel filter clean will help improve your gas mileage. Check your car manual to find out how frequently you need to change it.
13. Change your oil. Getting your oil changed regularly keeps your car in shape and reduces the amount of gas it uses. Change your oil every 5,000 miles unless you live in a hot climate, then every 3,000 miles.
14. Check your oxygen sensor. If your “Check Engine” light is on, chances are it might be the oxygen sensor. If you need a new oxygen sensor, you can improve your fuel economy considerably by replacing it.
15. Use correct grade motor oil. Take a look at your car’s owner’s manual to determine the correct grade motor oil for your car. Using the right grade will improve performance and save you gas. Learn more about selecting the proper grade and why.
16. Use synthetic motor oil. By reducing engine friction, synthetic oil will improve your gas mileage. Again, check your car manual to ensure this is a safe alternative.
17. Buy radial tires. Radial tires create less friction and are longer-lasting. Not only will you save on gas, but you won’t have to replace your tires as quickly either. Read this entertaining look back at how one car was modified to get better gas mileage in the 1970s. Check out #6 for radial tire information and how it can help you today.
18. Change spark plugs. Ditch the old spark plugs and get your car set up with new ones to improve the performance of your car. You will save money on gas when your car runs better.
19. Check fluid levels. Low fluid levels will prevent your car from running at its peak. Get fluids to the appropriate levels and you’ll see better gas mileage. Learn which fluid levels are important and how to check them.
20. Add a fuel injector cleaner. Each time you change the oil in your car, add a fuel injector cleaner to ensure your fuel injection system is performing at its peak.
21. Check for leaks. One great way to save money on gas is by keeping it in your tank. Make sure your gas isn’t leaking on to the road.
22. Check radiator thermostat. If you drive an older car, make sure your radiator thermostat is working properly. If not, you are wasting gas.
23. Improve Your Car from the Outside. How your car performs is just part of the picture. You can also follow these suggestions for your car above the hood to improve your fuel efficiency.
24. Check your tire pressure. When your tires are inflated to the proper pressure, your car drives more efficiently. Check your tire pressure often and you’ll save gas.
25. Take out the junk. Make sure you aren’t carrying around too much extra stuff in your car or in the trunk. 100 pounds of added weight in your car will significantly affect your gas mileage. This blog post explains how weight of the car affects mileage.
26. Clear the roof. Carrying stuff on your roof such as roof racks or ladders causes drag which will use more gas. Take off anything you don’t need and you’ll save money.
27. Tint your windows. Especially if you live in a hot climate, tinting your windows can reduce the amount of air conditioning you need to use, which improves gas mileage.
28. Get aligned. Your tires, that is. Proper tire alignment reduces drag, which keeps your car running more efficiently.
29. Get a bed cover. If you drive an older pick-up, consider installing a bed cover. It will improve your aerodynamics, thereby decreasing drag. Newer trucks usually already have the aerodynamics designed into the vehicle.
30. Check your gas cap. A broken gas cap or one that is not screwed in tightly will allow for evaporation of gas. Make sure your cap is working properly.
31. Install solar vents. To reduce air conditioner usage, consider installing solar-powered window fans that exchange the warm air in the car for cooler air outside the car.

At the Pump

How you fill up your car with gas can have a big impact on how much you save. Use these tips to help reduce how much you spend for gas.

31. Get a gas credit card. Many gas companies offer gas credit cards that offer discounts on gas from their stations. Make sure their prices are reasonable before the discount, though.
32. Get a rebate credit card. Some credit cards offer rebates on gas purchases. Use this handy chart to see how much you can save or read this helpful article to know how to choose the best card.
33. Get a membership card. Some grocery or wholesale stores offer discounts on gas with a membership card like this one. Learn what’s available in your area.
34. Pay with cash. Some gas stations will give you a discount for paying with cash. Check your local stations to see if this benefit is available.
35. Fill up at the right time. Filling your tank in the early morning or late evening will ensure that you are putting more liquid gas and less vapor into your car. This way, you get the most gas for your money.
36. Compare prices. When you are out, pay attention to prices. But don’t drive across town just to fill up for a few cents less. You’ll be driving your savings away.
37. Choose appropriate octane fuel. Unless you have a luxury car, you can probably get by with the lowest octane fuel and save yourself considerably on the gas. If you can’t use the lowest, it will probably save you money in the long run with less repair problems from using the wrong gas. Read more about why this is so.
38. Fill up mid-week. Gas prices are typically higher near the weekend, so fill up your tank mid-week to get the best prices. Supposedly Wednesday is typically the cheapest day to buy gas.
39. Stay at a B&B. Book your reservations for specific Bed and Breakfast inns through BedandBreakfast.com’s free gas specials to get money back for your gas.
40. Don’t top off. When the gas pump shuts off automatically, don’t try to add any more. The extra gas you try to put in the tank will probably not make it into the tank.
41. Fill up at a quarter tank. Don’t wait until the gas gauge hits empty before you fill up. Filling up around a quarter tank is better for your fuel injection system, thus improving your gas mileage.

Find the Fuel Online

Whether you want alternate fuel or good, old-fashioned gas, use these online fuel finders to locate the best price in your neighborhood.

42. AltFuelPrices.com. Search for biodiesel, ethanol, and many other alternative fuel sources by zip code. Click on each site to find the current price.
43. FuelMeUp.com. Use this online search to find the best price in your area. Search by regular, midgrade, super, or diesel and get the prices for each.
44. GasBuddy.com. Enter your zip code or city to find gas prices in your area with time and date of when the price is reported. You can also easily report a price on the same page.
45. GasNearU.com. This online resource seems to pinpoint by zip code very efficiently and offers an easy-to-read spreadsheet with prices for each grade. They also include the highest, lowest, and average price.
46. GasPriceWatch.com. Providing gas stations with pricing on a Google map, this site is easy to use. The gas price reportings are flagged if they are older than three days.
47. Motor Trend.com. Search by zip code or state to find gas prices near you. No map is included on this site, so know your streets when using this one.
48. MSN Autos. Find gas stations in your zip code located on an MSN map. Scroll down to find the corresponding prices.

Choose Your Fuel

You don’t have to rely on gasoline alone. Explore some of these opportunities for alternative fuels or learn to choose the best brand of gasoline.

49. Ethanol. Primarily made from starch in corn grain, this alternative fuel source is added into petroleum-based fuels. Any car made after 1970 can safely use a 10% ethanol blend. Learn the latest about ethanol at Ethanol Blog.
50. Biodiesel. For those with diesel engines, an alternative fuel might be biodiesel. Like ethanol, biodiesel comes from a plant source, this time soy bean oil. It is also mixed with petroleum-based fuels. Read about some of the benefits of driving with biodiesel fuel.
51. Electric. Sure, you have to buy a whole car to take advantage of this fuel source, but what a great alternative to paying for gas. Find out ten great reasons to drive electric.
52. Hybrid. Again, this requires a new car purchase to take advantage of the hybrid, but using a mix of gas and electricity will help save money on fuel expenses.
53. Flex-fuel. Some vehicles are equipped to take flex-fuel, or ethanol mixed at a higher blend rate than 10%. Read this article to find out more about flex-fuel, where to buy it, and how to know if your car takes it.
54. Choose the brand. Some brands of gas are more expensive and some are less expensive. Do your homework to determine why they are priced differently and if paying the extra will save you in the long run or not.

Drive Smart

Changing the way you drive can have one of the biggest impacts on your car’s gas mileage. Try these suggestions to help you to use less gas.

55. Avoid idling. Turning your car off and back on again uses less gas than idling for 30 seconds in newer cars and one minute in older cars.
56. Steady speed. Speeding up and slowing down abruptly uses more gas. Maintain a slower, steady speed and you will use less gas.
57. Start slowly. Accelerating slowly uses less gas than putting the pedal to the metal. Leave the fast take-off for the race car drivers.
58. Brake less. Don’t run into the car in front of you, but coasting more and braking less will use less gas.
59. Keep your foot off the brake. Accidentally resting your foot on the brake while you drive not only creates a drag on your car that reduces gas mileage, it also shortens the life of your brakes.
60. Use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed will use less gas than driving at variable speeds. It might even encourage you to keep your speed at a slower rate, which is also better for your fuel economy.
61. Turn off the A/C. Running the air conditioner uses considerably more gas. See if you can get by with the windows rolled down. This changes if you are doing highway driving, however. You will want to use the A/C to reduce the drag on your car that occurs with windows down at a faster rate of speed.
62. Use overdrive. If your car has overdrive gears, use them when you are doing highway driving. This uses less gas.
63. Drive 55. Highway driving over 55 mph significantly reduces the gas mileage of your vehicle. Driving slower not only saves money, but it’s safer too.
64. Ride behind a large truck. On the highway, riding behind an 18-wheeler allows you to draft off the truck and use less of your gas. Just be careful you aren’t tailgating and be vigilant of the truck driver’s movements.
65. No lights. Don’t use your headlights during the daytime. Turning off the lights puts less strain on the engine, which uses less gas.
66. Don’t warm up. Avoid prolonged warm-up times and just start your car when you are ready to go. If it’s freezing outside, some experts suggest that allowing 30-45 seconds for warm-up is plenty.
67. Shift low. If you drive a manual transmission, upshift at the lowest speed possible. This will use less gas than shifting when your RPMs are revved high.
68. Turn off 4×4. If your car is equipped to turn off the four-wheel drive component, do so. Saving it for when you are off-road will save your gas.
69. Don’t rev. Revving your engine just burns gas. Keep your foot off the accelerator unless you are accelerating smoothly or maintaining a constant speed.
70. Take advantage of stoplights. Driving the speed limit through town will often ensure that you are taking advantage of the timing of traffic lights. Hitting all green lights means your speed stays constant and you use less gas.
71. Don’t weave. Constantly changing lanes while weaving in and out of traffic will use more gas. Find a lane that is moving at a speed similar to yours and stay there.
72. Stay focused. Leave the cell phone down and eat your burger somewhere else. While you are driving, stay aware of what is going on around you so that you can avoid fast breaking, sudden swerves, and variable speeds–all of which use more gas.

Plan Well

Think ahead to help prevent excessive gas usage. All of these tips will have you saving that precious fuel.

73. Combine trips. Plan your errands so that you can make multiple stops in the same area and at the same time.
74. Is it necessary? Think about the trip you are about to make in your car. If it isn’t something that has to be done, then skip it.
75. Park it. Don’t drive around a parking lot looking for the closest parking space. Park and walk. Take advantage of the opportunity for some exercise.
76. Park strategically. Parking in between multiple errands where you can walk from place to place will reduce the amount of driving you have to do.
77. Park forward-facing. Using reverse uses more gas. Park so that you can start your car and leave facing forward.
78. Choose your route carefully. Don’t go through the most traffic or you will spend your time and gas idling. Plan ahead and take the road less traveled.
79. Avoid rough roads. Gravel or unpaved roads are harder on your car and require more gas to maneuver. Find another way to get there, if possible.
80. Park in the shade. Gas will evaporate from your tank at a much quicker rate when it is in the direct sun. Park in the shade and keep more of your gas in the tank.
81. Invest in a GPS. With a GPS, you will know exactly how to get where you are going. This saves all the gas you would have spent driving around trying to find your way.
82. Use maps. If you can’t afford a GPS, rely on one of the many online maps or city maps available. Know where you are going before you get lost.
83. No drive-thru. Park your car and walk into the restaurant rather than sitting in the drive-thru line. The idling or constant starting and stopping waste more gas than just parking.
84. Choose your car. If you have two cars, use the one that gets better gas mileage whenever possible.
85. Vacation smart. Plan vacations around non-peak times (like the middle of summer) and avoid holidays. Not only are gas prices higher, but with more cars on the road, you’re more likely to get stuck in traffic.
86. Track gas mileage. Monitoring your gas mileage on a regular basis will allow you to watch for changes which could indicate a problem with your car. Being aware and fixing the problem early will help with how much gas you use.
87. Grocery shop wisely. If you have to drive to the grocery store, limit your trips to once a week. If your store is within walking or biking distance, make several small trips throughout the week so that you can transport your groceries in small batches.
88. Bargain shop from home. Use the telephone or computer to find the best deal instead of driving all over town. You’ll save money from the gas you save as well as the bargain you found.
89. Shop mail order. Do your shopping from home. That way you don’t have to spend money for gas and can have your goodies delivered to your door.

The Commute

Going to and from work is usually where most Americans use the bulk of their gas. Find ways to reduce your commute time or eliminate the number of commuters on the road.

90. Carpool. Sharing the commute to work eliminates the number of cars on the roads and cuts the cost of fuel by the number of people in the car.
91. Rideshare. Don’t have anyone with whom to carpool or are you traveling across country and looking for someone to share the ride? Try ERideShare.com or CarPoolConnect.com for free connections.
92. Telecommute. If your boss will work with you, see if you can work from home any or every day of the week. Even eliminating just one day a week will save you gas money.
93. Use flextime. If telecommuting isn’t an option where you work, try to use flextime. By allowing employees to arrive and leave at flexible times, rush hour traffic can be avoided.
94. Car share. If you don’t want to own a car, but don’t want to be completely without one either, try car sharing. Simply reserve a car for a specific time period, arrive at the parking lot where the car is located, drive until your reservation time is complete, and return the car at the spot where you picked it up. Zipcar offers the convenience of a slide car that all members receive that unlocks each of their cars.
95. Commuter vans. Similar to carpooling, many public transportation systems offer a van pool. A group of people going to the same location drive a commuter van together. Each city’s policies on cost and where the van stays may vary.
96. Go to the gym. Or go someplace nearby your work when you finish for the day. That way you can do something positive for yourself while you let rush hour traffic die down. Who knew going to the gym could save you money?
97. Move. This may only apply if you are in the market for a new house or you rent, but move closer to work so you are more easily able to take advantage of walking or one of the other alternate transportation methods.
98. Take the 2 Mile Challenge. Based on the fact that 40% of urban travel is within two miles, Clif Bar has proposed the 2 Mile Challenge as a way to get people on their bikes for those two short miles. Take the challenge and use less gas.
99. Work compressed work weeks. Work fewer days with longer hours to do less driving. You will also likely miss rush hour traffic this way.
100. Buy a new car. If you’re driving an old gas guzzler, payments on a newer, more fuel-efficient car may cost less than the money you are spending on gas each month–especially if your car is already paid off.

And Finally…

101. Use a combination. To really make the most impact on your gas savings, use a combination of several of these options. Just relying on one or two will not give you the best return for your money. Implement as many of these suggestions as you can into your regular routine, and you will see a big difference in that fuel bill every month.

By Alisa Miller

What you do in the morning sets the tone for your entire day. Making positive choices for your morning routine promises to make whatever comes your way easier to manage. Follow the suggestions below to get a great start on your morning for both your body and your mind.

Food and Drink

Starting the day with something in your body is likely the most important way to jumpstart your day. Whether it’s a nutritious breakfast, vitamins, or a simple glass of water, you will find several ideas for how to get your morning going.

1. Water. First thing as soon as you get out of bed, drink a glass of water. Not only will you jumpstart your hydration for the day, but the water will serve to help clear the cobwebs in your mind.
2. Eat breakfast. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting the day with breakfast doesn’t have to be a major production and will get your day off to a great start. Find out exactly why eating breakfast is so important in this article.
3. Make breakfast easy. Breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult. Grab a bagel or a yogurt and add a piece of fruit to have a quick and easy breakfast. This blog post offers some great ideas for an easy breakfast.
4. Coffee. You can always try the old stand-by of a cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Treat yourself to an automatic coffee maker so when your alarm goes off, you have a cuppa joe ready to go. If you enjoy the coffee from your favorite coffee shop, then motivate yourself to get out of the house sooner with the promise of someone else making that perfect cup.
5. Tea. For those who don’t drink coffee, how about a cup of tea? It is super easy to make, and the selection is almost limitless. Tea is a great source of antioxidants and you can get it with caffeine or caffeine-free. Read here to find out more about the health benefits of tea.
6. Fruit smoothie. Grab your blender, some milk or yogurt, and whatever fruit you have on hand (use fresh or frozen). Smoothies are delicious, easy to make, full of nutrition, and sure to get your day going. Try this peanut butter and banana smoothie for some extra protein in the morning.
7. Protein powder. Add some whey protein powder (or soy protein powder if you don’t eat dairy) to your fruit smoothie, and you’ll really add a spring to your step in the morning. Learn about the benefits of whey protein powder here.
8. Vitamin B complex. B vitamins give you energy and help memory and thinking. Take a good quality vitamin B complex supplement each morning to ensure you get the proper balance of your B vitamins. Another easy way to get your Bs is to drink them from a supplement like Emergen-C. The packets come in many different flavors and mix into water for a fast gulp of both B and C vitamins as well as other minerals and electrolytes.
9. Have a green drink. Green drinks are all the rage in health circles. Imagine a smoothie with vegetables instead of fruit and no dairy. You can make your own like this one, or use a prepackaged version like this.
10. Green tea bags. Instead of ingesting this drink, put some green tea bags on your eyes. Steep the tea, then cool the tea bags off in the freezer. Place the cool bags on your eyes for a reduction in puffiness. As an added bonus, you can drink the green tea while you wait for the tea bags to cool.

Exercise

Getting out of bed and getting your body moving is a great way to ensure you don’t go back to sleep and that you get the morning started with gusto. Fitting exercise in first thing in the morning also means you don’t have to worry about doing it later in the day after so many other tasks pile up and your energy begins to wane. It also gets your metabolism going early in the day.

11. Yoga. Yoga is a calming, yet energizing way to get your body and your mind going in the morning. You don’t even have to go to a studio to do some basic yoga positions. Watch this video to learn how to do a sun salutation series, or read about how to do sun salutations at this site (the animated stick figure is actually quite helpful to learning how to do the moves).
12. Run. Roll out of bed and into your running clothes. Get in a short run before starting your day and you will have not only awakened yourself, but have done your exercise for the day as well.
13. Walk. If running isn’t your thing or you just need to give your body a rest, walking is both an excellent form of exercise and will get your day off to a great start.
14. Stretch. It can be as simple as bending down to touch your toes or as elaborate as a workout routine, but stretching will get your blood flowing and keep you from crawling back to bed. Try these easy stretches to get your morning going.
15. Jump rope. Jumping rope isn’t just for kids. This exercise is easy to do at home, doesn’t cost a lot, and gets your heart pumping right away. Why You Should Jump Rope not only answers why, but offers four different techniques and a video demonstrating some techniques.
16. Swim. Whether you have access to a swimming pool or a natural body of water, taking an early morning dip will get your blood flowing and stimulate your appetite for that healthy breakfast. Swimming is an excellent workout for your body and offers some quiet time for your mind.
17. Tai Chi. In many Asian countries, it is not unusual to see people outside early in the morning practicing their Tai Chi. Learn more about the benefits from this graceful, low-impact exercise in this article.
18. Bicycle. Jump on your bike, whether it’s stationary or the traditional kind that can take you places. Cycling is good for your heart and will get you going in the morning. If you are lucky enough to ride outside, the fresh morning air will help get you going too.
19. Push-ups. While these may bring visions of boot camp or memories of that crazed PE teacher you had in school, push-ups are a great way to get your morning started and require no extra cost or equipment. Here is one way to do those push-ups to get your blood flowing in the morning.
20. Dance. Fulfill your childhood dream of being a ballerina or just get down with your funky self and make up your own dance steps to your favorite music. Dance is a fun form of exercise that you can do in the privacy of your own home. If you don’t know how to dance, get some tips online. You can also rent or buy a DVD to help you learn.

Evening Routine

Getting things done in the evening or before bed will save you much time in the morning. Not only will your head be clearer, but it will save you from having to do lots of small tasks when you have little time.

21. Lay out clothes. Get your clothes ready for tomorrow by selecting and laying them out. This will save you time in the morning when you might not be as alert for making decisions or when you realize that shirt needed to be ironed.
22. Pack lunches. Prepare lunches for yourself and, if you have kids, for your children. An easy way to streamline lunch-packing is to use a system like the Japanese bento box or Laptop Lunches.
23. Pick up clutter. Clean up the shoes, dirty clothes, and various other stuff that gets left around the house so that you wake up to a clean house and don’t have to go searching for that second shoe. Follow these tips to declutter you house in just 15 minutes every day.
24. Wash dishes. After a satisfying dinner, the last thing you probably want to do is clean up the kitchen. However, taking care of this task in the evening will have your kitchen clean and ready for you to start breakfast the next morning.
25. Prepare dinner. Not the dinner you just ate, but get everything ready for tomorrow’s dinner. If you like crock pot cooking, get everything assembled in the evening, add it all to the crock pot in the morning, then you have dinner ready for you when you arrive home. Even without a crock pot, you can get veggies chopped and ingredients assembled so that dinner is ready for the making the next day.
26. To-do list. Write down reminders of what you need to do the next day. In the morning, you won’t need to search your sleep-addled brain for the tasks ahead of you.
27. Shower. If you don’t rely on your shower as a method of waking up, why not take it at night? Not having to shower in the morning will give you a good extra half hour for your morning routine.
28. Check email. Don’t leave this task for the morning when you have so many other things to do to get ready for your day. Take care of your email business, then walk away from your computer so you won’t be tempted to take time away from the rest of your evening routine.
29. Be ready to go. Put what you’ll need the next morning by the door so that you don’t have to go looking for your stuff. Keep bags, keys, backpacks, and whatever else you need to take with you ready to go.

Sleep and Waking

How you go to bed at night and get up in the morning will certainly affect how you begin your day. Follow these tips for getting a good night’s rest and waking up ready to greet the day.

30. Go to bed. Of course you are going to go to bed, but make sure you do it before you feel exhausted. Pushing yourself to stay up for the news or the end of a TV show means you are probably cheating yourself out of your much-needed sleep.
31. Get a good night’s rest. After a good sleep, you will feel much more energized and ready to start your day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, leave your worries behind you, and sip some chamomile tea. Here are more tips for how to ensure a great sleep.
32. Wake up earlier. Give yourself just 30 extra minutes in the morning and you will be amazed at how much more you can accomplish before starting your day. Many people snooze for at least this long, so just try getting out of bed instead.
33. Don’t snooze. You certainly wouldn’t want to purposely give yourself a poor night’s sleep, so why do you hit the snooze button in the morning? Snoozing guarantees that you will not be getting quality sleep during those last few minutes or hours of the morning. Make a change for a better start to your morning and skip the snooze.
34. Get a pleasant alarm. A jarring alarm might wake you up, but so does an air horn blast to the ear or a douse of icy water. Instead of waking up startled, try an alarm that wakes you up gently such as the Zen alarm clock. You may be surprised at how well it works to get you up in the morning–and it’s definitely a more calm way to do so.
35. Get an alarm that won’t let you sleep. Another great idea when it comes to alarms is using one that won’t let you sleep such as this light-producing alarm or these fun alarms from Japan. If you don’t want to shell out the money for a special alarm, try setting your radio alarm to talk radio.
36. Move the alarm. Don’t put your alarm next to your bed. In fact, put it as far away from your bed as you can. When your alarm goes off, you will have to get out of bed to turn it off, thereby making it easier for you to stay out of bed.
37. Sleep routine. Stick to a routine with consistent bed time and wake-up times. Consistently sleeping at the same time every night provides you with a better chance for a good night’s sleep. You may even discover that you begin waking up at the same time every morning without an alarm clock.
38. Just sleep enough. The range of sleep a person needs is highly individualized. Some people get by just fine with six hours a night while others need closer to nine. Find out how much sleep you really need. Give yourself a week to try this experiment, then once you know, set your sleep routine around the correct number of hours you need.
39. Get a dog. Any dog owner can tell you that there’s not much sleeping late in the mornings when you have a dog. As a puppy, they need to be taken outside immediately for potty time. As they get older, the routine of doggie breakfast and potty will become so ingrained that they will wake you up mercilessly with kisses or whines if you try to stay in bed for that extra sleep.

Wake Up Your Mind

Getting your body out of bed is half the battle. Waking up your mind so that you are focused and ready for your day is one of the best ways to jumpstart your day. Take these suggestions for ways to get your brain awake in the morning.

40. Shower. Take a refreshing shower first thing in the morning. Keeping the temperature moderate will get your blood flowing and wake up your mind. Learn how finishing your shower off with cold water benefits your health and well-being.
41. Write your goals. Take a few minutes to think about what you want to accomplish that day and write a list of your tasks or goals. These can be as simple as errands you need to run or a part of a larger life goal toward which you are working.
42. Read the newspaper. Take a few minutes to catch up on current events and wake up your mind. Some people enjoy opening the newspaper and scanning the news while they sip on a cup of coffee. Finish it off with the crossword puzzle and you’ll really have your brain working.
43. Get the news online. Another great way to keep updated is find your favorite online news source. If you are short on time in the morning, receiving a daily email with the news headlines gives you a brief, ready-made update. Many online sources offer an email option and will let you tailor which type of news headlines you receive.
44. Slow down. Start the morning slowly. Frantically rushing around to get everything done in time to leave the house not only starts your day off on an anxious note, it doesn’t give your mind time to wake up.
45. Read a book. In busy lives, it can be difficult to find time for quiet recreation. Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to read a book or magazine each morning. You’ll start the day having already rewarded yourself.
46. Meditate. Take advantage of the peaceful quiet the morning can bring. Set aside a few minutes for quiet meditation. This can be as simple as sitting peacefully and becoming aware of your breathing and how your body feels. Read this blog post for how to dismiss distractions while you are learning to meditate.
47. Turn on the lights. Not just in the bedroom, but all over the house. Get out of bed and start turning on lights in every room. The extra light will trigger your natural circadian rhythm and help get your mind going.
48. Listen to a podcast. With so many free podcasts available, you can certainly find one that piques your interest. Whether you subscribe to a daily or weekly podcast, take advantage of the time while you are eating breakfast or getting dressed to listen to something on your favorite topic.
49. Journal. Whether you write your thoughts, dabble with poetry or haiku, or draw a picture, take a few minutes to document your thoughts. If you are more tech savvy or like to keep connected with remote friends and family, consider starting a blog. You can spend a few minutes in the morning typing your thoughts or updates on your life and sharing with those you know and love (and even a few people you don’t know).
50. Thank the universe. No matter how you thank the universe, be it through prayer or simply acknowledging the beauty of the sunrise, take a moment to be appreciative for the day ahead of you. Realizing that each day is a gift is a powerful way to jumpstart your day.