A few days ago I complained to the head office for Canadian Tire about their display of Maxim Magazines at the cash register.¬† As I explained in this blog, I felt that type of publication was inappropriate for a retailer that markets and sells to families.¬† Today, I am happy to report that the head of Corporate Social Responsibility called me to apologize for the magazine display and has ensured that all Maxim magazines have been pulled from any stores that sold them.¬† She explained that not every store included this publication on the magazine rack, but those that did, no longer will do so.¬† This is a win for all women and parents of young children and a welcome reminder that it’s better to voice your dissent than turn a blind eye and mutter under your breath.¬† Thanks to any of you who emailed Canadian Tire to rectify this situation.

Interested in saving some gas money?¬† Well, maybe it’s not quite so urgent now that gas prices have dropped (Christmas isn’t the only reason to cry¬†Alleluia!)¬† Nonetheless,¬†with a recession in full swing and green consciousness burgeoning among North Americans, cutting back on gas consumption is a frugal, if not noble, act.¬†¬†And, buying a hybrid¬†automobile is a luxury that most of us cannot afford¬†given the financial and practical constraints¬†of¬†the typical family.¬† I know my minivan is an oversized gas-guzzler, but¬†with¬†three¬†mini-hockey players, the only way we’ll be driving a Prius is if there are rooftop seats.¬†

Luckily, minivan drivers like myself can still do our part in cutting down on¬†our emissions with what is known as Hypermiling.¬† It was developed by Wayne Gerdes, and is all about following certain protocols to keep your gas bill low and your gas meter high.¬† Aside from keeping your car well-maintained (like keeping your tires properly inflated), the main thrust of this technique is in the pedal.¬† Go easy on the brakes, no screeching at the last minute when you reach a stop sign.¬† Allow your car to coast towards a yellow light rather than race in the hopes of crossing the pedestrian line before red flashes.¬† Then gently accelerate when it’s time to move again – no screeching tires.¬†¬†Don’t speed, rather stay within or below speed limits.¬†

Yes¬†- you risk becoming the most irritating driver on the road, and you may have to turn the other cheek when some young punk flips you the bird.¬† But remember!¬† You’re helping to save the planet (and a few bucks!)¬† According to writer and carblogger¬†Phil Raby¬†in the latest issue of¬†MoneySense Magazine, he was able to cut his fuel consumption by about 30% in city driving and 10% in highway driving (city driving typically guzzles more gas than highway driving) thus¬†creating an annual savings¬†of about $750.

Some additional points to consider to save on the gauge:

• Drive slow and steady
• Start to coast in anticipation of traffic lights so as to prevent heavy braking.¬† Then inch away slowly after stopping, rather than revving forward
• Think about purchasing a aftermarket gauge that keeps provies instant readings of how much gas your car is using
• As for synthetic oil at your next check up
• Properly inflate tires
• Keep away from drive-thru restaurants – park and walk in for your order
• Refrain from blasting the A/C or heater.¬† The A/C can suck up to a quarter of your fuel
• Drive with the windows closed since the drag it creates when they’re open burns more gas
• Remove rooftop carriers when you don’t need to use them
• Keep your trunk clear of any stuff you don’t need

(Source: MoneySense Dec/Jan 2009 issue by Phil Raby)

And -¬†here’s the tough one – get your kids out the front door on time.¬† That way you won’t need to ram your car out the driveway,¬†speed to the stop sign, slam on the brakes and zoom to the school/doctor appointment/piano lesson…¬†without being late.¬†¬†Close to impossible, I know.¬†¬†But no one said saving the world was going to be easy…