Editorial: Now is the time to become responsible with gas use

With gas prices skyrocketing, this is the perfect time for locals to take advantage of summer activities in the area rather than heading to Seattle or other destinations. In fact, one could argue that it’s our social responsibility to cut back on the amount of gas we use.

Prices crept into the $4 range over Memorial Day weekend and some experts are predicting we’ll break the $5 mark by the Fourth of July. The price per gallon is now more than half of the state’s hourly minimum wage, plus it taxes the environment.

This is an opportunity for everyone to re-explore the community where they live by going to concerts in the parks and street festivals. But there is also the chance to make a real impact by shopping locally. Finding dry cleaners, boutiques and pharmacists within the city limits that meet your needs is a great way to reduce the amount of gas spent commuting from one city to the next. Also, buying produce from local growers at the Farmers’ Market saves fuel because it keeps more trucks off the roads.