The Quick Facts: Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume. It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020. This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels. It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption. In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.
Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume. After watching the “spill cam” showing millions of gallons of oil soiling the Gulf, we should all become aware of our own oil consumption. Whether you are of the “drill, baby, drill” crowd, or the “spill, baby, spill” crew, we can all take common sense actions to conserve our resources and make wiser choices to reduce the demand and need for oil and its related products and to lessen the impacts on the earth. (See also Real Mama’s article, “The Oil Spill and a Teachable Moment”)
Products Made from Oil
Oil is all around you. Well, sort of. Americans use petroleum (oil), directly or indirectly, for transportation fuel, light, heat, and for the manufacture of consumer products. Specifically, oil is used for:
- gasoline, motor oil, kerosene, home heating oil, and other fuels
- plastics and synthetic rubber
- asphalt
- liquids & solvents such as paint, paint thinners, lacquers, floor cleaners, hair spray, printing inks
- petroleum (or paraffin) wax used in candy making, packaging, candles, crayons, matches, and polishes
- petroleum jelly in medical products, toiletries, and cosmetics
- synthetic fibers like polyester
- fertilizers, pesticides
- generation of electricity
- transportation of products to market.
According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel products account for nearly 9 of every 10 barrels of oil used in the United States. Also, oil accounts for about 40 percent of all energy consumed in the United States.
Gasoline for our cars and trucks is the largest single use of oil. Passenger cars use more than 40 percent of the oil consumed in America. Since 1981, the number of cars and trucks registered for the road has increased by about 75% to 248.7 million vehicles. The number of miles Americans drive has almost doubled since 1981.
It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020. This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels.
Tips to Reduce Your Use of Oil
A national survey and report released by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) show that, even before the Gulf oil spill and Congressional hearings, Americans strongly supported reduced oil consumption and tougher fuel economy standards. What people do not know is how to accomplish this task, and it can be quite simple.
First, we must know what products are made from oil (see previous list). Then, we can change our behavior, even in the smallest ways, to reduce the demand and extraction of oil from our lands and waters. What follows are some ideas; some require more effort than others, but they all will help in reducing oil consumption and the need to drill more, further, and deeper.
On the Road
- drive less (combine trips), carpool, or use public transit
- live closer to work or school
- buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs, including hybrid vehicles
- buy fuel-efficient replacement tires for your vehicle
- check your tires for correct pressure
- obey the speed limit
- turn off the car/truck engine while waiting in line
- keep cars tuned and use fuel-efficient engine oil (marked with an “Energy Conserving” label by the American Petroleum Institute)
At Home or Work
- lower the thermostat
- turn off lights when not in use
- buy energy-efficient appliances
- hang laundry outside to dry
- grow your own vegetables (without using pesticides and fertilizers)
- use water-based latex paints and inks
- use glass, ceramic, metal, and cloth containers instead of plastic
- Consider alternative forms of energy for your home (i.e., solar, geothermal, wind)
- walk or bike to do your errands
- Weatherize homes that use home heating oil.
At the Store
- buy food in bulk to reduce packaging
- buy vegetables at a local farmer’s market or farm
- buy organic food
- buy products made from bee’s wax or soy-based waxes
- buy drinks that come in glass containers or bring and refill a reusable container (preferably stainless steel)
- stop buying bottled water
- stop using plastic bags
- eat less meat
It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption. In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.
Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:
(http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fensec.asp, Natural Resources Defense Council, “Reducing U.S. Oil Dependence – A Real Energy Security Policy,” last accessed June 24, 2010
(http://wskg.typepad.com/everydaythinking/2010/06/reducing-oil-consumption-.html, “Everyday Thinking: Exploring the World of Science and Nature; Reducing Oil Consumption,” by Crystal Sarakas, June 13, 2010.)
(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122125023848529351.html, “What the U.S. Should Do To Reduce Oil Consumption,” by Joseph White,Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2008.)
(http://admin.consumerfed.org/elements/www.consumerfed.org/File/Gas_Oil_Survey_Oil_Spill_PR_5_18_10.pdf, Consumer Federation of America, May 18, 2010.)
(http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/analysis_publications/petroleum_profile_1999/profile99v8.pdf, Energy Information Administration, US Department of Energy, “Petroleum: An Energy Profile,” 1999.)
(http://www.stonyrunfriends.org/Committees/UnityNature/Petroleum.html, “What We Can Do To Reduce Petroleum Use,” Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends, Stony Run, last accessed June 24, 2010.)
