Think back to when eating Lunchables was the highlight of your week. Try to imagine what it was like when you tagged along with your mother to fill up the family van at the local gas station for around a dollar per gallon.
It may be difficult to remember since we are living in a time when soaring gas prices are the norm. Nowadays, the complaint is that the price per gallon has exceeded $3.
Most people spend their days commuting to work, driving their children all over town for various activities or running errands. Some families fill their gas tanks two or three times a week per vehicle.
It is hard to avoid or amend the dire gasoline situation because the United States is a very mobile society. Civilization here was built to nurture the idea of space, and by looking closely, it is noticeable how much space exists between buildings, cities and people.
People are facing a dilemma and have been aware of it for years. The problem is how to alter the situation to everybody's benefit.
Society is looking too hard for an epiphany to its gasoline price dilemma. Although there are stunning new technologies being developed such as hybrid cars, hydrogen cars and corn ethanol, most of these technologies are too expensive for the general public.
Fortunately, there are many simple answers available now that not only soften the blow of gas prices, but also protect the environment and improve public health.
Public transportation is always an option, and Madison has a relatively efficient bus system. However, there are flaws to every system and summer means some of the bus routes are delayed because of construction. Fortunately, there are other options that support health more than sitting on a bus does.
For example, biking both avoids paying for gasoline and is advantageous for one's health. Furthermore, it permits individuals to see parts of their city that they would normally pass by while driving.
One should also consider walking. Whenever a person has an opportunity to walk, whatever their destination may be, they should take it. Walking has comparable benefits to biking and, like biking, is a healthy alternative.
The overall benefit of all of these options, besides reducing the cost of purchasing gasoline, is to further integrate a person into their environment. Part of the problem that comes with the scattered landscape is that there is, at times, a more impersonal feel to the Madison area.
These options do not allow people to sit in their cars, ignoring who or what is near them. If they choose these options, they will encounter other people and notice intriguing parts of the city.
When presented with the gasoline predicament, residents of Madison should make lemonade and get to know their city on a more personal level.
