One American's viral solution to gas prices: how he turned a Barbie toy into transportation
The sharp rise in gas prices in the United States is prompting Americans to find increasingly inventive solutions to cope with high costs, from using public transportation to turning toys into functional means of transportation.
The novel solution found by a man from Georgia PHOTO Facebook via Reuters
One example that went viral is that of Mali Hightower, a 30-year-old man from Ellenwood, Georgia, who turned a broken down car into a Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper in a motorized vehicle he uses for trips to the supermarket, Reuters reports.
He fitted the less than 1.2 meter tall toy with a motor from a pressure washer and even added a shopping stand.
The reason is simple: Fueling his personal car, a 1996 Mercedes-Benz convertible, costs around $90.
“It's too much. I drive this when I can,” said the man.
Video source: Instagram/atlannanotatlanta
According to data provided by the American Automobile Association, the average price of regular gasoline reached $4.52 a gallon on May 18, compared with about $3 before the conflict between Iran and its regional allies broke out.
An Ipsos poll for The Washington Post and ABC News shows that 44 percent of Americans have cut back on their trips because of the cost.
Many choose public transport. In Bangor, Maine, bus ridership is up 21 percent since January.
In Los Angeles, content creator Dafne Flores says she's limited her trips to a maximum of five miles and avoids gas stations near freeways, where prices approach $9 a gallon.
“We're used to expensive gas, but never this expensive.” she stated.
The crisis also creates marketing opportunities. In Mashpee, Mass., Camp Farley summer camp director Renee Tocci promotes the camp as a way for parents to save money on gas.
“Here's a Budget Tip No One Talks About: Send Your Kids to Camp” it shows in one of his posts.
In parallel, churches and local organizations distribute gas cards to vulnerable families, and cities such as Chicago organize special support campaigns.
While many drivers are feeling the pressure, electric car owners are looking at the situation with detachment.
“I can't remember the last time I looked at gas prices,” said a Tesla Cybertruck owner.
