Conserve gas, carpool during holiday season

With the holiday season around the corner, The Appalachian encourages students, staff and faculty to continue saving our resources by conservatively using transportation.

During the past summer the nation experienced a shortage in gas supply, resulting in prices that rose over $4 a gallon. Since the decline of the economy, consumption decreased 5.6 percent over the past six months, causing gas prices to drop under $2. The average price has not been this low since March 2007.

According to the Energy Information Administration, a section of the United States Department of Energy, the East Coast average price per gallon has seen a significant decline, at $1.86 a gallon, as of Monday.

The Appalachian believes it will be a matter of time before gas prices rise again, forcing people to seek other modes of transportation. With the coming winter break, The Appalachian promotes sharing alternate means of transportation such as carpooling and public transportation.

These alternative methods of transportation will help continue saving money during the holiday season, especially with the nation’s struggling economic outlook, and will help gas prices remain low for a longer period of time.

In addition, The Appalachian promotes the investment in energy-efficient vehicles, and urges students to be smart if selecting a new automobile during the holidays.

Falling gas prices will not be permanent, and The Appalachian believes we must continue to be aware of our petroleum consumption and the habits the nation developed during the summer.

Non-profit organizations need time, donations all year

The holiday season reminds each of us to donate our time, money or old items we no longer need to a worthy cause.

From coat drives and shoeboxes filled with necessities to dinners for the homeless and bells ringing outside of Wal Mart – we’re reminded each day to give what we can to someone who needs help.

However, The Appalachian encourages students to not forget those in need once the holiday season has passed. Those same families, organizations and causes need your influence each and every single day of the year.

The Appalachian also encourages students to help local organizations before branching out to national non-profits who have millions helping in their efforts.

There are several philanthropic endeavors across the High Country that depend on volunteers and funds donated to help the populations they assist.

If students are unaware of these organizations, we invite him/her to visit the on campus community service office, Appalachian and the Community Together and learn how you can help.

The Appalachian commends students on helping out in various ways through the holiday season and hopes to see the same kind, philanthropic attitude continued throughout 2009.

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