Tricia Morris, President, Premiere Mortgage

Four tips to decrease your carbon footprint.

The price of gasoline has come down in the wake of falling oil prices. Concerns over the level of economic activity have driven this decline. Will prices stay low—a relative term—or will they rise again?

One hint of what may come lies in the recent earnings reports by the major oil companies, such as Chevron. Buried in those reports is the news that while profits soared, the amount of oil recovered remains flat, or has begun to decline.

While gasoline prices are now below $4 a gallon, this may be a temporary respite as the economy recovers and energy use rises.

The question then becomes, how can we use less gas and still be able to get around and do our daily business? Here are four tips that may be of help:

1. Jump on the Maui Bus. Fares are about $1 each way and the routes are easily accessible. The bus runs seven days a week, including holidays. For more information, go to www.mauicounty.gov/bus or call 871-4833. The email address is public.transit@co.maui.hi.us.
2. Ride a bike. Take a safe route and learn it. If you work in an office and you won’t be seeing a client that day or attending a public event, a ride to work can be fun and healthy. The exercise costs nothing, and at the same time you will help the environment by taking one more car off the road. Maui is beautiful, and even more so when seen at a slower pace.
3. Explore the possibility of car and vanpool programs. Maybe your business is willing to encourage car pooling with flextime or guaranteed parking. Another option is the Hawai‘i Van Pool program, which has become increasingly successful as gas prices have risen. You can learn more about this program at www.vanpoolhawaii.com.
4. Finally, and one of my favorites: Take a walk. Breath deeply. Smell the flowers. It’s a great way to save gas and add years to your life.

Premiere Mortgage has offices on Maui and Kaua‘i and provides a wide range of services to the real estate community. Tricia Morris may be reached on Maui, in Kihei, at 874-8800, Wailea, at 891-8900, West Maui at 665-8800, on Kaua‘i at (808) 822-2300, or toll-free at (800) 813-7711.