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Letter: Less is more

Let’s see this as a chance to change direction
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Less is more

Re: “High gas prices are hurting”

The exceptional increase of gas prices certainly is a challenge for everybody who depends on a vehicle. Another “Oh s**t moment” as we realize that there is a problem which directly impacts our wallet.

In the last year we have already experienced a couple of those “…” moments such like the dry summer with the horrific wildfires and in fall, the flooding. These events did not impact everybody directly, but now with the increase of the gas prices everybody must pay the price. The problem has arrived on the doorstep. Complaining does not help. We have to take action.

Let’s see this as a chance to change direction and to correct the mistakes towards more quality in life and a healthy environment. It is our responsibility to pass a livable planet on to the next generations — our kids and grandkids. We must question our behaviour and the way of life and explore opportunities for a positive change, to make life affordable, reduce the carbon footprint and gain quality of life.

Yes, it was much cheaper to fill a gas tank when we were young. However, the vehicles we drove were much smaller and the engines were less powerful.

I remember, in the 1970s, the VW Golf with 113 hp was a “rocket”. I drove a small Golf with 54 hp which was strong enough. The fuel consumption was 5.5 liter per 100km. In comparison, beginning of 2000 I drove an SUV with a fuel consumption of average 16 liter per 100km. What a nonsense and waste of money. Cutting back the fuel consumption is a huge savings and benefit for our environment. Yes, we must ask ourselves what vehicle we want to drive. Do I need a big, powerful car or truck? Does a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle meet my needs for transportation?

But it is not the vehicle only, which causes grief with increasing gas prices and/or costs of living. We take lots of things for granted. We want to be independent, having all our own tools etc. Garages and/or sheds are full of stuff, which is barely needed and takes lots of efforts to keep maintained and organized. It can be a burden. What is wrong with sharing tools etc. Can we not knock on our neighbour’s door and ask for help, if needed? It is cheaper and supports social life. It gives you more room to breathe.

Less is more.

Helmut Blanken

Duncan