I love Italy; I have a girl friend who lives in Rome and one of my favorite aspects about that city is that you either walk or take the Metro. Most days, cars (other than taxis or buses) are not allowed in the city due to pollution (which is detrimental to their monuments).  Grocery shopping is rarely done in bulk; and frequent trips for bread, fresh fruit and vegetables are common.  Most people have smaller kitchens and most buy only what they require for the next several days; therefore there is less waste.

Now that gasoline prices have increased, what habits are you changing?  Earlier in the week, I attended a company lunch meeting and our office receptionist told me that she is now taking the bus to work (she walks less than 2 ½ blocks to catch the bus from her home and it drops her off in front of the office). 



My neighbor phoned yesterday and asked if I wanted to walk to Trader Joes with her (a little over a mile).  She only needed asparagus and salad dressing (I often purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and then throw much of it away unused)… What a sensible idea to simply walk to the store and buy what you need for the next day or two.  Walk and Talk: The biggest plus is that it was a great opportunity to "catch up" with my friend.

The post office is only three blocks from my home; I am now walking to drop off my mail.  Perhaps, the high cost of gasoline will remove some of the largest vehicles off the street and more of us will feel comfortable (safer) in smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Possibly as a nation we will walk more and become healthier and by sometimes walking to the grocery store we will waste less food (and save money).  We might walk with our friends and neighbors and get to know them better.  Gas is sky high; but for those of us fortunate enough to live in areas where it is safe to walk, we have the opportunity to become healthier, save money and reconnect with friends.

In the meantime find the least expensive gas prices in Los Angeles.