The fuel crisis is creating a lot of issues that are quite difficult to deal with, especially for the average individual or family.  Things are getting more expensive.  In some cases gasoline is unaffordable – even for necessities like getting to and from work.  People who were on a tight budget before are in dire straits now.  And citizens have no control over very much of it.

On the other hand, some citizens are trying to make some changes that make things better for their families and for the larger community and even the global community.

Some of the changes that are taking places are in the area of conservation.  People are giving up their larger cars for smaller more fuel-efficient ones.  They are walking, when possible, rather than driving their car short distances.  Even curtailing a little bit of driving can save money and save fuel, not to mention, help save the environment.

People who never thought of carpooling in the past – in fact, who thought of carpooling as a dirty word – are now, not only doing it, but promoting it wholeheartedly.  Many have taken jobs closer to home – even taking pay cuts (after all, you off set the pay cut with the gas cost savings).  Others have sold their homes and moved closer to where they work.

Some employers are helping too.  Where possible, they are encouraging telecommuting or having employees come in for less days with longer hours.  Not only does this eliminate a day or more of driving, but it also curtails driving during rush hour in many cases, which saves gas by eliminating the stop and go of the crowded rush hour highways.

The fuel crisis is not an easy situation, but in the midst of it all, it’s nice to see some positive side effects and results mixed in with all the negative news and tough choices.