A11TeamAwesome

A11TeamAwesome

To-Do

Step 1:

• Try to find some relevant information (anywhere on the web) related to YOUR problem or topic.

• http://energy.gov/news2009/8381.htm
• http://en.openei.org/wiki/Main_Page

• Can you locate any relevant information about YOUR problem in OpenEI? Describe what you find there.
• What it would take for you to contribute information (which you may have found in step 1) to this site and what would motivate you to do so!

1. Describe the energy-related problem or topic your group selected.

We chose the topic "Should I buy a more fuel efficient car?"
Some of us do not have the most fuel efficient cars in the world. We wanted to look into the logistics of buying a new car that would be better for the environment and our wallets.  We need to consider how practical it would be for a college student to replace their car.  It has been said that the least expensive car is the one you already own. As students, it can be hard to come by the funds necessary to buy a new car. One could sell their current car but would then be left without personal transportation for a while. These newer more fuel efficient cars are also smaller and could be less safe than a large vehicle, which most people buying a vehicle need to consider. Because we live in a snowy area, the car needs to be good in the snow.

2. Describe any Web resources you found about that problem or topic.

There are several online guides to buying a more fuel efficient vehicle.  None of them seem to take any particular age group into consideration. They do discuss different price options, but the buyer would of course need to set those themselves.

3. Describe any related OpenEI resources you found.

OpenEI did not contain much on the logistics of buying a new car, but it did discuss fuel efficiency in several areas. For instance, there was one article describing an incentive program in California for buying a fuel efficient vehicle.  Programs like that could help young people buy a new car. If they get money back, then they could buy a better car for themselves and the environment.

4. Discuss what it would take for you to contribute information (such as what you may have found in step 1) to the OpenEI site and what would motivate you to do so.

Aaron Vimont: If I went through the process of selling my car and buying a more fuel efficient car, I would consider putting that up on the OpenEI site. I would not want put together information that did not personally relate to me. I would put up the lessons that I learned and perhaps the reasons why I chose to get a new car.