Originally Posted by anthonyb

Conservation, conservation, conservation.

The market for petroleum products depends on both supply and demand. We can diversify our supply to reduce dependence, but reducing demand is just as helpful (and easier on the wallet). Petroleum based raw materials goes into EVERYTHING, not just gasoline and diesel - if it's plastic, it was probably sourced from petroluem base stock. And if it wasn't, petroleum probably supplied the energy to make it.

Buy less stuff. Recycle more often (reduces trash, and decreases need for virgin petroleum products). Use less energy. Encourage others to do the same.

Sometimes this is counter-intuitive. The amount of oil and energy that goes into make all the pieces of a new car, for example, is probably equal to or more than, say, a 5 mpg increase in fuel economy will get you over 5 years.