Jump to hyperspeed

You don't need a hybrid or the Millennium Falcon to be a hypermiler like Wayne Gerdes. This Han Solo of the high-mpg set has made getting amazing fuel economy out of ordinary cars his life's mission.

Hypermiling is the art of improving fuel economy through clever driving and vehicle maintenance. Gerdes explains these tricks in great detail on his CleanMPG site.

By driving the speed limit, coasting up to red lights, keeping the tires properly inflated, using the right oil, even parking in the right spot, you too can hypermile your way to 59 miles per gallon in an ordinary Honda Accord like Wayne.

His impressive gas savings has earned coverage by Forbes Autos, public radio's Marketplace, Mother Jones magazine, and others.

Gerdes says he was inspired by his father's thrifty habits and pushed to hyperspeed by September 11. He connects Saudi oil money with the terrorist attacks on the U.S. "I guess what really ticks me off is when I see 'Save the Troops' on the back of a huge SUV," he told Pantagraph. His activism aims to reduce American dependence on foreign oil.

Which just happens to be good for the environment too. Anyone can strike back for the planet by easing up on the gas pedal.