Have you gotten the email forward about not buying gas from BP stations on a certain day at a certain time yet? You probably will. I’ve received one about banning BP. And another detailing why banning BP stations alone will not solve the problem.

I agree with the second one. Skipping one gas station to fuel up at another will not solve the problem of our country’s dependence on oil, which is what really led to this problem.

What will help? The answer’s easy, but not fun. Stop using so much fuel! Stop driving so much. Try biking, walking, skating, skateboarding, carpooling, taking the bus.

If you are making something and run out of sugar, don’t run to the grocery store. Head to your neighbor’s house and ask to borrow some. From our experience, life is better when you get to know your neighbors.

It’s summer, and very hot where we live. Instead of cranking up the A/C, keep the temperature setting high and run ceiling fans. Close curtains and blinds during the day. In most cases, the electricity that runs the appliances in your house comes from coal- or oil-fired electricity plants.

Make sure your home is energy efficient — check your local home-improvement stores for quick fixes, such as additional insulation, that are also eligible for tax incentives.

Look into alternative energy options. Try solar panels. If there’s an alternative energy source that you feel strongly about, fund research for it.

The best way to fix our addiction to oil is to change our way of thinking and living. Try to live simpler. See if it makes a difference in your quality of life and your energy use.