There are some things that college just doesn’t prepare you for. Last year, I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. I learned several valuable tools for navigating the broadcast world and I’ve enjoyed an array of diverse and challenging experiences. I managed to work three jobs to pay for school and go to school full time. Even these experiences could not have prepared me for our current economic situation. I read the headlines about the state of the economy, rising gas costs, home foreclosures, and unemployment, but it t all seemed like a distant stranger lurking in the dark, one that couldn’t possibly affect me. Here I am two years later struggling with the rising cost of gas and energy cost.

                Across the country rising gas prices have drastically changed how people travel, work, socialize, and live.  I know my life is directly affected by rising gas prices. Like many Virginians I find myself at the pump almost twice a week and I’ve changed my driving habits to save money. Instead of making several trips in one day I usually try to get everything done in one shot. I sometime sacrifice less important trips like the gym to save money on gas. The days of filling the tank to full are over. At $25 to $30 for just a half tank for gas I can only afford enough gas to get me through the work week. My situation could be worse. There are reports of people damaging their cars, because they were driving on an empty tank of gas. People are cruising through stops signs to prevent coming to a complete stop. Even worse some people are even finding inventive ways to steal gas from gas stations and people.

                Finally there is some sign of relief, if only for a short period of time. For the first time in months, gas prices have fallen below $4.00. Across, Richmond gas can be found for as low as $3.56. While we may never know the days of $1.97 gas again, hopefully this is a sign of a growing trend. The silver lining in all of this is its forcing Virginians and the nation to get serious about energy conservation.

                While it may be hard to make big changes such as buying a hybrid car, switching to all energy efficient light bulbs, or eating local organic good. There are small ways to begin going green. There are several businesses and attractions in Virginia who are committed to going green. I found this great website called Virginia Green which lists all sorts of businesses that are committed to environmentally safe practices. While it may not be much it’s a step.