With gas and oil prices over the top, I am reminded of a bumper sticker a friend sported on his VW Thing back in the ‘70s that read: Cash, Grass or Ass…Nobody Rides For Free. Looking beyond said friend’s penchant for pleasure (and perhaps illegal substances), I’ve been thinking about the fair exchange rate for getting or giving a ride in today’s slumping economy. (more)

A NY Stock Exchange suit on the Today Show this morning encouraged Americans to simply stop driving everywhere to help correct the overwhelming demand for fuel. Hmmm…what does one do when the work commute is 50 miles round trip and there’s no public transportation nearby? Two of my husband’s colleagues are considering car-pooling once gas prices hit $5/gallon, but since one drives a smaller sedan and the other a Ford F250, there seems to be some debate over whose vehicle to use. I fear they’ll be debating this until we’re at $6/gallon. Some weekend warriors I know who travel to the Cape for the summer are at least considering taking only one of their vehicles instead of two and moms who drive their kids to school are anxiously awaiting vacation for more than the obvious reasons.

But what are we truly willing to give up in order to ease our national reliance on fuel? We’d like to know what your exchange rate is – what will you give up to save on fuel costs this summer? Will you ride a bike when possible? Will you ask your boss to allow you one day a week to work from home? Share your ideas with others by leaving a comment here and we’ll spread the good news along.