AC Free For Arizona Couple

I had heard about the story a few weeks back while listening to the radio. Then when I saw the Arizona Republic last Sunday (Aug. 9th 2009) and I got to put a face with the story.

I must say at first I really thought they were nuts. I mean I live in the Valley of the Sun, so we are like neighbors. I know how the desert sun can turn you into a sweat ball and then dry you up like a raisin. So yes, I thought they were crazy and had more than a screw loose.

But, wait a minute. I grew up in Arizona and I was raised by my Grandparents. What they call, "Old School". We had no Air Conditioning, we used a Swamp Cooler and Fans. We opened our windows and spent more time outdoors. We ate cooler foods like cold fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. We took cooler showers, and I say cooler because there is no cold water in Arizona. Adults sat outside in the shade and the kids played in the yard. We drank plenty of ice cold water and lemonade and no body melted.

My life is a little different now and my Multiple Sclerosis might run a muck if I even dared go with out AC (I have to keep cool or I can't walk), but I do give Chris & Dani a lot of credit. They have opened my eyes and reminded me of the many things we CAN go without.

My contribution to the AC/Electric demand for the year was a new energy efficient AC unit, the old one was a classic (197? I think) and I increased the temperature by two degrees.
EACH DEGREE RAISED = + - 3% SAVINGS

Check out Chris's Blog
and let me know; Could, Would or Do YOU go without Air Conditioning?

Skip Your Ride-- A Day Without Your Car

Going without your car, just for one day. That was a recent post by one of my fellow bloggers. It was, and is a great idea. It was even an easy one for me. I work 12 hour shifts, 2-3 days a week which leaves my car sitting in the driveway at least 2-3 days a week.

But what about the rest of the world? What about the average person that works five days a week. They spend one day running errands and one day out with friends, family, etc. That takes up all seven days.

It has been reported that there are between 2-3 million automobiles on the roads in the United States. So what if you can't leave your car at home. What are some other things that might help save the planet and save you money.

**Increase your fuel economy; This can be done by driving something that gets better gas mileage. Go smaller or go green. And don't forget about the $4500 cash incentive to trade in that old clunker, going on this fall.

**Use Public Transit; Here in Phoenix we now have the Light Rail with connecting bus lines. I have used this service to go downtown for a Baseball game. It was quick, easy and well worth the money. Not only did I not have to drive, I didn't have to look for, and pay for parking.

**Carpool; This saves wear and tear on your vehicle, money and the environment.

**Buy a Bike; It is reported that 40% of all car trips are less than 2 miles.

**Walk; It's free, good for you and can replace your gym membership.

**Skip a trip; Learn to do all your errands at one time. Think about all the places you need to go and do them in a circular motion so you end up back home. Here in Arizona I have a cooler in my trunk in case I stop somewhere and buy cold items.

Give up your ride; If you have two vehicles and really could do with one, then do it. This could save you $8,000+ a year in payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, registration and depreciation.

Even if you have to drive seven days a week, there are things that you can do.



**Keep your tires properly inflated; The right pressure can increase your mileage by 3% or a savings of 10 cents per gallon. Plus the money for new tires as they wear out faster when under inflated.

**Get a tune-up; This may cost you now, but it can save you up to 10% in fuel costs. It also increases the longevity of your vehicle.

**Don't carry unnecessary weight around; This only reduces your mpg.

**Don't drive like a crazy person; Driving over 60 can cost you about 20 cents per gallon of gas per every 5 mpg over. Excessive breaking and over acceleration also decrease you total mpg.

For other car and fuel tips check out fueleconomy.gov

And once again a Special Thanks to Reduce Footprints for a wonderful weekly challenge.
Reduce Footprints: Change The World Wednesdays