| How to Save Gas when You're Driving Posted: 03 Feb 2020 12:00 AM PST Saving gas is good for both the environment and your wallet. While keeping your car in good condition and using a fuel-efficient vehicle are good methods to accomplish this goal. You can also take several steps while driving to save gas. Drive smoothly and avoid stop and go habits that reduce fuel efficiency. Drive within the speed limit to reduce wind drag on the car. When running errands, plan the route to avoid traffic and slowdowns. These tactics will all help make your car much more fuel-efficient. [Edit]Adjusting Your Driving Habits - Drive the speed limit to eliminate excess drag. As cars increase in speed, wind drag makes the engine work harder to keep the car moving. This burns fuel at a much higher rate. Keep your speed at the posted limit or just below it for the best performance.[1]
- While all vehicles hit their peak MPG at different speeds, generally, cars are most fuel-efficient at around per hour. Going faster than that reduces fuel efficiency.[2]
- If the posted speed limit is higher than this, drive in the right lane so other motorists can pass you.
- Speeding is also a safety and legal violation, so there are many other reasons to travel at the speed limit.
- Press the gas and brake pedals smoothly to avoid stop and go driving. Stop and go driving is the most inefficient way to drive a car. Even with traffic and traffic lights, you can drive in a way that reduces stop and go travel. Always work the pedals smoothly, without slamming either one. Press the brakes smoothly to avoid a jerky stop, and accelerate back up with steady pressure on the gas pedal. This increases your fuel efficiency.[3]
- Follow other cars at a safe distance to avoid slamming the brakes if they stop short.
- If you want to speed up or pass another driver, don't pump the gas pedal hard. Increase the pressure gradually to bring yourself to a higher speed.
- In an emergency, however, don't hesitate to hit the brakes hard if you have to stop.
- Release the gas pedal and coast before braking. Suddenly applying the brakes cuts down on your fuel efficiency. If you know you have to stop, plan ahead. Release the gas pedal without hitting the brakes yet and coast until the car slows down. Then apply the brakes. Since the car is moving slower, you won't burn as much fuel trying to stop.[4]
- This technique works especially well with traffic lights. Once you see that a light turns yellow and you know you won't make it, let the gas pedal go. By the time you have to stop, your car will be moving much slower.
- Again, don't do this in an emergency. Press the brakes as hard as is necessary to avoid hitting something.
- Go up hills slowly to conserve energy. While it may sound counterproductive, going slower uphill burns less fuel than going fast. The engine works harder and burns more fuel if you try to maintain your speed going uphill. Don't try to maintain your speed when passing over hills. Instead, keep your pedal pressure consistent and let the hill slow you down. You'll regain speed once you get to the top.[5]
- Check behind you before driving like this. If someone is tailgating you, they could hit you if they aren't paying attention.
- Coast downhill while keeping the car in gear. While some people switch into neutral to coast downhill, this practice actually burns more fuel. Instead, simply let go of the gas pedal and let the car coast downhill while keeping the car in gear. This way, the engine won't be working and burning fuel.[6]
- Keep your foot hovering over the brake pedal while coasting just in case you have to stop suddenly.
- Switching into neutral while moving is also potentially dangerous. It gives you less control over the car and your engine could overheat if you have to hit the brakes.
[Edit]Conserving Power - Use cruise control to save fuel on long drives. Studies show that switching into cruise control on long drives is more fuel efficient because it keeps your car at a steady speed. If you're traveling on the highway and there is no traffic, switch your car into cruise control to get the max fuel efficiency.[7]
- Pay careful attention to the road while you're using cruise control. Don't tune out.
- Don't use cruise control in bad road conditions.
- Turn off the engine if you're idling for more than 60 seconds. Idling burns fuel very inefficiently. If you're idling and know you'll be there for more than 60 seconds, then turn off the engine and restart it when you have to move again.[8]
- The best situations to use this technique are ones in which you know you'll be idling in one place for a while, such as parked at a curb, waiting at a railroad crossing, or in a busy drive-thru. It's not the best idea in traffic, unless there is a major delay and nothing is moving.
- If you're idling for less than 60 seconds, however, leave the car running. You'll burn more fuel turning the engine back on than you'll save by turning it off.
- Close your windows if you're driving faster than per hour. At highway speeds, the increased wind resistance makes your car work much harder. Close the windows and use the car's AC system if you're traveling greater than to get better fuel efficiency.[9]
- There is a long debate about whether using your air conditioner or opening your windows is more fuel-efficient. The answer is to open the windows and turn off the AC at speeds below . Faster than this, close the windows and turn on the AC.
[Edit]Planning Ahead - Remove unnecessary weight from the car. Increased weight means that the car's engine needs to work harder to bring you up to speed, meaning it burns more fuel. Make your car more fuel-efficient by taking out any excess boxes or equipment you don't use. Each pound you remove lets your car work more smoothly.[10]
- Attachments like hitches and roof racks also add weight. If you aren't hauling something on this trip, take them off to save fuel.
- Take a route with the least amount of traffic and stops. If there are multiple ways to get somewhere, take the amount of stopping into account. A road with lots of traffic lights might make you stop and idle often. Similarly, roads that are prone to traffic will slow you down. Listen to traffic reports and pick the clearest routes to maximize your fuel efficiency.[11]
- The best route will probably change depending on the time of day. Monitor traffic reports to find the best option.
- Apps like Google Maps or Waze calculate the shortest routes for your trip by taking traffic into account. Listen to these calculations to find the smoothest rides.
- Travel outside the high-traffic periods of the day if possible. This may not be possible if you commute to and from work in rush hour. However, if you work on a different schedule, then avoid running your errands at high-traffic times. Cover all your driving needs in the middle of the day or in the evening after the commute.[12]
- Keep this in mind if you're leaving for a trip as well. Leave before the morning rush to avoid slowdowns and conserve your fuel.
- Combine multiple errands into one trip to reduce travel time. Going home between each errand increases the number of trips you have to make and the distance you have to drive. Plan ahead and list all the places you have to go to. If possible, tackle all your errands in one trip for the most fuel efficiency.[13]
- For example, if you have to go food shopping, to the post office, and get a haircut one day, don't go home in between each errand. Do them all in the same trip to reduce the amount of driving you have to do.
- Also try to group errands by which ones are close together. If the supermarket and post office are both on one side of town and the barber is on the other, then go to the supermarket and post office first.
- Keeping your tires in good condition is one of the biggest ways to increase fuel efficiency. Fill them to the recommended psi for the best results.
- Unless it's below zero outside, only warm up your car for 30-60 seconds. The engine will warm up as you drive, so go slowly for the first few minutes of driving.
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean Reusable Straws Posted: 02 Feb 2020 04:00 PM PST If you're looking for ways to make your lifestyle more sustainable, try using reusable straws instead of disposable ones – they create much less waste, so they are much better for the environment. They are also a great option if you just like using straws and want to have one available wherever you go. While their narrow opening might make them seem tricky to clean, cleaning out reusable straws is actually a simple process. The best way to clean a reusable straw is by using a pipe cleaner or cleaning brush. But don't fret – if you don't have either on hand, there are other ways to clean out reusable straws that work just as well. [Edit]Cleaning Reusable Straws with a Brush or Pipe Cleaner - Choose a pipe cleaner or brush that fits into your straw. Many reusable straws come with little brushes that are specifically designed to clean them out. If you have one of those, great! If not, you can easily use pipe cleaners to get the job done. Make sure the brush or pipe cleaner is long enough to clean out the entire straw.[1]
- If you are using a pipe cleaner that isn't long enough, try twisting 2 or 3 together to get the desired length. Make sure to twist them tightly, so they don't fall off inside the straw.[2]
- Always use clean pipe cleaners.
- Add dish soap to your pipe cleaner or cleaning brush. Squirt a few drops of dish soap onto the pipe cleaner or cleaning brush. You can use whatever dish soap you have on hand, or buy any brand you prefer.[3]
- Try a dish soap that contains natural ingredients if you are worried about ingesting soap residue.
- Insert the pipe cleaner or brush into the straw and scrub vigorously. If you're using a pipe cleaner, insert the pipe cleaner entirely through the straw until it comes out the other end. Pull it back and forth a few times to clean out any hidden material in the straw. When using a brush, insert it into the straw and vigorously scrub the brush against the inside of the straw to remove buildup.
- You may have to work on each end individually, especially if you're cleaning a twisty straw or an L-shaped metal straw. If this is the case, do your best to scrub each section of the straw, working on one end at a time.[4]
- Scrub the outside of the straw with a sponge. While the main reason you want to clean out your straw is to deal with hidden residue inside the straw, don't forget to give the outside a quick scrub as well.[5] Use dish soap and a sponge to scrub the outside of the straw.
- If you don't have a sponge available, just soap up your hands and scrub the outside of the straw with your fingers.
- Rinse the inside of the straw under warm water to remove the soap. Once you've scrubbed the inside and outside of your straw thoroughly, rinse it under warm water until you have removed all the soap residue – you wouldn't want to accidentally drink soap the next time you use the straw![6]
- Place the straw in an upright position so it can dry completely. Standing your straw in an upright position will allow excess water to drain out, letting the straw dry completely. Avoid mildew by letting your straw dry before putting it away.
- Use a drying rack to help your straw stay upright by leaning it against the metal frame.
[Edit]Cleaning Reusable Straws without a Pipe Cleaner - Run hot water through the straw as soon as you are done using it. If you don't have a pipe cleaner or brush, it is best to rinse out your reusable straw immediately after use. If the straw sits for too long, the liquid you were drinking will dry and cake onto the inside of the straw, making it much harder to clean. Rushing hot water through the straw immediately after use will clean it out nicely.
- If you can't immediately rinse your straw, stick it into a water bottle and take a few sips of water. While this is not as effective as hot water, it is better than nothing.[7]
- Soak the straw in warm soapy water, then rinse it completely. Soaking your straw in warm soapy water will break up any material stuck inside the straw. You can soak the straw for anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Once you're done, run hot water through and over the outside of the straw to rinse our any loosened residue that might still be stuck in the straw.
- Try filling a large mason jar with warm soapy water and add the straw. Cap the jar and shake it thoroughly to help dislodge material. Then, rinse out the straw until all of the soap is removed. When cleaning bamboo straws, this is the best method to use.[8]
- Run the straw through the dishwasher. Most straws are dishwasher safe, but it is best to check the manufacturer instruction for the straw you are trying to clean. Once you're confident your straw is dishwasher safe, place the straw in the bulk utensil section and run the dishwasher.[9] When clean, make sure the straw stands upright long enough for it to dry out completely.
- Stainless steel straws and glass straws do well in the dishwasher. Bamboo straws, on the other hand, should just be soaked and rinsed.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Cleaning brush or pipe cleaner (optional)
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Dishwasher (optional)
- Mason jar (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Grazing Table Posted: 02 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST A grazing table is a lavish buffet spread of tasty snacks and treats for a party or event. The keys to a successful grazing table are having lots of tasty snacks and treats arranged in a visually striking way, with no empty space on the table. Choose foods with a variety of textures to give your guests different things to try and have fun with your arrangement! Your guests will love seeing, and eating from the bountiful spread on your grazing table. [Edit]Choosing the Food - Keep your food bite-sized. A grazing table gives people tons of options to choose from, so keep the portion sizes small enough to be eaten in 1 or 2 bites. That way, people can fit more of the tasty treats and snacks onto their plates and they can try a little bit of everything![1]
- You can always cut bigger foods, such as large cuts of meat, wheels of cheese, and loaves of bread into smaller, bite-sized portions!
- Pick cheeses with different textures to give people options. Select creamy, hard, crumbly, and aged cheeses to give your guests different textures and options to choose from. Different cheeses also pair well with different breads, fruits, cured meats, and wine, so having multiple option allows people to mix and match however they like![2]
- Examples of cheeses to add to your grazing table include: gouda, cheddar, brie, goat cheese, and gruyere.
- Select a variety of cured meats for your charcuterie. Charcuterie refers to preparing and assembling cured meats that people can use to pair with the other items on your grazing table. Give your guests options by having a variety of meats for them to choose from such as salami, prosciutto, ham, and bacon.[3]
- Other cured meat options include: capicola, soppressata, and pepperoni.
- You can include freshly cooked meat as well, such as roast beef or grilled chicken, but make the portions bite-sized so people can taste them without filling themselves up.
- Use several different breads and crackers. Freshly baked bread and tasty, crunchy crackers are a must have for any grazing table. Give people a selection of both so they can choose the ones they like and use them to mix and match with the various cheeses, meats, and spreads.[4]
- Some breads you can include on your grazing table are: fresh baguettes, sourdough, and pumpernickel.
- Tasty cracker flavors include rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
- Add some fresh vegetables to your table. Pick out some small fresh vegetables such as baby carrots and cherry tomatoes that are easy for people to grab. Cut up larger vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers into slices and bite-sized pieces so your guests can add them to their plates.[5]
- Slice up some tomatoes for your fresh breads!
- Fresh broccoli and cauliflower are great dipping items and give people a healthier food option.
- Have both fresh and dried fruits. When your choosing your fruit, keep variety in mind, since people have different preferences. Fresh fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, and cantaloupe add delicious sweetness and texture to the food options on your grazing table. Be sure to include softer fruits as well, such as dried apricots and figs.[6]
- Fresh pears and apples adds crisp, crunchy flavor to your table while plums and raspberries add a soft and sweet texture.
- Having compote or fruit spreads are also great additions to a grazing table. Kick it up a notch by adding a pepper jelly for some heat!
- Choose dips, condiments, and accompaniments to add flavor. Use small, items such as olives, fresh basil, or pickled peppers to accompany the other food items on your grazing table so people can decide if they want to add them or not. Select spreads and dips that people can use to put on their bread, crackers, cheese, vegetables, and any other items on your table. Be sure to have some condiments so your guests can fix their servings just the way they like it.[7]
- Popular dips you can put out include hummus, ranch, and spinach and artichoke dip.
- Melted cheese dips are always a hit as well!
- Pick out some mustard, honey, and a spicy hot sauce for your guests to use.
- Sweeten your table with some small dessert items. Choose bite-sized portions of dessert items that people can add to their plates as a sweet treat. Cookies, brownies, or cupcakes are sure to be a hit and won't overwhelm your guests' plates, or their stomachs![8]
- Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are simple and easy to make and will wow your guests!
- You can cut a larger cake into small, bite-sized portions and stick a toothpick in them to allow your guests to get a small taste.
[Edit]Arranging the Grazing Table - Choose a table or piece of furniture that fits the decor of the event. Opt for a flat, sturdy table that can support the weight of all the yummy treats you plan to arrange in your spread. Choose an attractive table with a smooth surface so you can arrange your spread.[9]
- A solid wooden table is always a safe bet to use for a grazing table.
- Make sure the table is at a level where people can easily access the items. Don't use a coffee table or a tall work station table.
- Select an accessible location to place your grazing table. Choose a place that allows your guests to move about all sides of the grazing table so more people can access it at the same time. Make sure the table isn't blocking a walkway or isn't in the flow of foot traffic.[10]
- Avoid putting the grazing table against a wall or in a corner or you'll limit how many people can access it at one time.
- An open kitchen area or a dining room in a home is great for a grazing table.
- Cover the table with butcher or brown paper to protect it. Use butcher paper or brown paper to protect the surface of the table and make clean-up a breeze. Using brown or butcher paper also adds a rustic flair to your grazing table, making your spread feel more like a bountiful harvest.[11]
- If you don't want to use butcher or brown paper, choose a table cloth that fits the theme or decor of your event so the grazing table doesn't clash with it.
- Use different serving dishes to add visual elements to the table. Fancy wooden cheese boards, silver platters, and porcelain dishes will add striking visual effects and make your grazing table really pop. Choose dishes that also add to the decor of your table.[12]
- Have a variety of different serving dishes and items to add to the visual effect of your grazing table.
- Place the cheese on wooden stands or cheese boards. Add layers to the grazing table by placing large hunks of cheese onto footed stands or thick cheese boards. Arrange the stands and cheese boards around the table to add some dimension to the table.[13]
- Elevating the cheeses makes them stand out, adds depth to your spread, and will make it easier to access the cheese.
- Surround the cheeses with crackers, bread, and fruit spreads. People often like to pair cheeses with crackers and preservatives or fruits spreads. Place them near the cheeses for people to add to their plates.[14]
- Crackers and bread also take up space and can be used to fill in gaps around the cheese stands and boards.
- Make piles of charcuterie and keep them together. Stack the ham, prosciutto, salami, and any other meats you're arranging on the grazing table so your guests remove the topmost piece and add them to their plate. Keep the meats together so people can pick and choose them from 1 location, rather than having to move about the table to select their meats.[15]
- Wrap some of the salamis around cheeses for a delicious combination!
- Add bowls of dip surrounded by dipping items. Place bowls of any dips or sauces you plan to serve your guest around the table. Arrange dipping items such as carrots, chips, celery sticks, and grape tomatoes around the bowls of dip so people can use them with the dip.[16]
- Don't overfill the bowls with dip or condiments, you can always add more later if you need it!
- Put out attractive utensils for people to use. Place cheese knives, forks, spoons, skewers, and anything else people will need on the table. Keep the utensils near the items people will likely use them for. For example, keep the cheese knives near the cheeses and the spoons near any soups or dips.[17]
- Use ornate serving spoons, skewers, and other serving items to add a decorative flair to the table.
- Keep the plates, napkins, and utensils together near the food. Choose a section of the table or use a table or countertop nearby to stack your plates and napkins so people can easily grab them. Keep the utensils organized near the plates so your guests can select what they'll need.[18]
- Keep the forks with forks, spoons with spoons, and knives with knives so your guests can easily take them.
- Use decor to add color and to fill in any gaps on the table. Don't leave any empty space or it will take away from the visual effect of a bountiful grazing table. Use vases with flowers, greenery such as trimmings of shrubs, and any other items that can add a pop of color to the table while also filling in gaps between the items.[19]
- Be creative with your decor! For example, you could tuck springs of green plants under paper along the sides of the table to cover the edges.
[Edit]References |
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