I’ve read more stories about rising gas prices lately than I can count. But when my husband and I took a road trip this weekend, we (like anyone else who’s traveled a few hundred miles in your car recently) were shocked at how much money we spent on gas. Even though you hear about skyrocketing prices every day, it’s still startling when it costs almost $70 to fill up your tank.

Since we all know energy costs won’t be headed down any day soon, smart small business owners are finding ways to lower costs. The Wall Street Journal found several examples of businesses that have reduced transportation costs, invested in energy-saving equipment and switched to alternative energy.

Not only does this article offer innovative ways to lower costs, it also gives examples of some simple steps any of us can try. One company posted signs reminding employees to turn off the printer each night, while a chef-owner in Providence, R.I., started turning off the pilot light on his five stoves when his restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. His savings? $5 a day.

Note from Editor: This article also contains a video that shows WSJ’s Raymund Flandez as he goes inside Wilson Oil, a small heating-oil distributor. This company is using mapping technology to make its delivery routes more efficient and cut down on fuel costs.

Tags: business, Google, small business