David Alden [06/10/2006]

To the editor:Most of us are very disgruntled at the cost at the fuel pumps. However, the good part is that we are finally beginning to realize that the world has an energy problem. Estimates are that there is only 40 to 50 years' worth of fossil fuels left. These fuels are a highly concentrated energy source, but within 100 years or so, we have exhausted 50 percent of the world's reserves. With world supply and demand so nip and tuck, potential political instability and natural disasters make energy one of the major challenges of these times.The leadership of our government on this issue has been dismal. Therefore, out of necessity, we will influence the marketplace and hopefully with more foresight, take better actions. The watch word will be conserve, conserve, conserve. It looks like we will be moving back toward a more regional-based lifestyle, where we produce more of our own goods and grow more of our food. There is my "to do" list to help my pocketbook, preserve our natural environment and slow down global warming.Car: Maintain proper tire pressure, drive slower, accelerate and decelerate more gradually, turn off engine when idling for very long, consolidate trips, carpool and buy a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.Home: Wear a sweatshirt and lower the thermostat to 68 degrees F., hang up clothes inside or outside, rather than using a dryer, use air setting on dishwasher, invest in insulation and energy-efficient windows, reduce lawn and plant more trees to keep house cooler in summer, buy local fresh food products, grow a small, concentrated vegetable garden, have water heater checked to see if temperature setting can be lowered, use fluorescent light bulbs and turn off all lights not being used.Shopping: Park farther from front door of stores and get extra exercise, use reusable canvas bags rather than multitude of plastic bags offered at stores.Trash: Recycle paper, magazines and newspapers, plastic, tin, aluminum, glass, cardboard, et cetera.Alternative energy: Be an advocate for developing solar and wind energy.Good luck with your own lists and please share your energy-saving ideas with the rest of us.