The World Beyond High Gas Prices

I'm secretly elated that gas prices are on the rise. No - I'm not heavily invested in oil or a glutton for punishment. I don't really want to pay more for gas either.

I do, however, respond with 'duh!' whenever I hear someone interviewed on the news say that they can't afford as much as they did before, or are buying smaller cars, or making different spending decisions based on the cost of gasoline.

As I see it, there will be some positive benefits from higher gas prices in the long run. Yes, it will be painful, but contrary to popular American belief, some of the best things are worth waiting for.

So here's my short list of benefits:

1. We will become more mindful of our driving decisions. We'll learn to conserve our trips, use less gas and save money.


2. The ever-elusive automobile fuel efficiency will suddenly increase dramatically. Auto companies have never had as strong an incentive to increase fuel efficiency.


3. We will become more aware of the sources of our food. Food from far away will be more expensive than that which is grown locally.


4. The playing field will be (more) level with big box stores and local mom and pop stores. Again, larger retailers will be forced to raise prices, driving consumers to goods that are more readily available locally.


5. Variety will have a resurgence. When it is prohibitive to ship goods long distances, local economies will fill the competitive gap with products of their own ingenuity.


6. Urban sprawl will slow and potentially reverse.It will be less cost effective to commute long distances to work.


7. Mixed use communities will flourish. Consumers will want to make short trips to accomplish their daily tasks. Banks, shops, and restaurants will share the same neighborhoods as their residents.


8. Obesity rates will fall. Plain and simple. People will walk and bike more.

While all of these things are arguably desirable by anyone and everyone, none of them will happen out of the good nature of our desires. Money talks. Necessity is the mother of invention. When entire populations are forced to wrangle with the heavier burden of costs they previously didn't have to think about, change will occur. I'm of the mind to welcome it with open arms.