While many of us may feel we have no control over the consumption of crude oil and how that will play out in the future, the fact is that we do have the ability to police our own personal usage and do something about that. Here are some ways that you can effectively curb your usage of petroleum products and thus make yourself less dependent on oil.

Employment options are perhaps more varied today than they have ever been. One continuing trend is finding a work at home situation. Many people are surprised at the range of work at home jobs these days. From administrative assistants to freelance web design and management to starting your own Internet based business, people are opting out of morning traffic and hour long commutes in order to work within their own space. A nice advantage of this is that you can cut your consumption of petroleum significantly with this type of working arrangement.

If telecommuting is not an option for you, then consider alternative ways to getting to and from work. Check out the public transportation program in your city. You may find that it will work very well for you. In some cases, a monthly pass that allows unlimited usage will cost you no more than a single tank of gas for your car. Cutting your crude oil future consumption by determining to use public transportation is both immediate and effective, not to mention good for the roadways and the revenue for your city.

Even changing your buying habits can help. Instead of driving across town to pick up a gallon of milk that is a few pennies cheaper, attach a basket to your bike and visit that locally owned grocery store that is three blocks away. Yes, you will pay more for the milk. You also will use significantly less gasoline. As a bonus, that locally owned grocery store probably purchases produce from local farmers, so you will also be supporting your own community when you purchase there.

There are many things one person can to do impact crude oil future consumption. Why not sit down with your family today and come up with some ways that all of you can work together to manage your use of this valuable resource?