When Fuel Prices Go Up, America Slows Down

The face-paced life of many Americans has a new ball and chain: fuel.

It costs too much. Whether it really is because there’s not enough of it, or the oil companies are cashing in because of the perception that there’s not enough of it, we’re all feeling the pinch.

High fuel costs make everything cost more. The further an item needs to be transported, the more it will cost.

The quest by farmers to increase production of biofuel grains has decreased the production of food grains, causing “food droughts” around the world. And where there is food, such as in the USA, the cost has risen, often incrementally.

What’s is “in” and what’s “out” due to soaring oil costs?

Transportation-

Public transportation is in. Traveling by airplane is out. And for those in cars, speed is out. There’s no more pedal to the metal. We’ve all become “white heads,” driving slower, looking for that optimum speed that will give us the most gas mileage.

Fuel efficient cars are in. But if you’re looking to buy a Prius, you’ll pay top dollar, and have to order it. There’s currently a six month lead time. If you’re looking to trade in you SUV, you’ll get bottom dollar for it.

Two wheelers are adventurously in, whether it be a motorcycle, Vespa, or old fashioned bicycle.

Food-

Eating local products is in. It’s not that it’s necessarily any cheaper. But the difference in the cost of eating locally versus not eating locally has leveled.

New England farmers are starting to grow wheat for the first time ever. That could make local purchases less expensive in the long haul.

And then there’s the other lifestyle changes-

When people are spending more on necessities, what are some of the things they are spending less on?

ABC News reports that “Nevada brothels have been hit hard by gas prices…Truckers, who provide steady business to many of Nevada’s 28 legal brothels, are now paying 40 percent more this year to fill up their rigs.” That extra $100 dollars usually in their pockets is now going to gas.

According to the Giving USA Foundation, charitable contributions slowed to just a 1% increase from 2006 to 2007. And 2008 looks to be even worse. However, total contributions in 2007 were still over 300 billion dollars.

NBC reports that increased stress levels have also increased people’s waistlines.

“As the credit and housing crises rattle Wall Street, pressures over bigger workloads, job security and shrinking nest eggs are upending diets and fueling unhealthy habits across the country.”

On the bright side, in the USA at least, a downturn in the economy translates to an upturn for the planet. People are conserving more energy, spending less on new products and looking for recycled or used products more, and eating more locally grown food. Out of necessity people are thinking green. And that’s a good thing.

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