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High oil prices are reviled by motorists. As gas prices rise seemingly every day, a stream of “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” language can be heard emanating from the mouths of drivers everywhere. The gas pump is where the effects of high fuel prices is most visible. You're constantly reminded about it every time you drive by your corner gas station. High oil prices actually effect you in countless other ways that many are unaware of.

For example, did you know that most plastics are made from petrochemicals? Think for just a second about all the items you use every day that contain plastic. If you buy a new one of any of those things in the future, it'll be more expensive due to the rise in oil prices. Other materials will be affected as well. Anything made from asphalt such as roads, roofing tiles, and soundproofing material found in cars, boats and refrigerators, will all rise in price. Oil powers our entire economy, from power generation to manufacturing to transportation. The rise in oil prices will be felt by all, even those in the green sector that favor the bicycle, Prius and ride the bus.

Speaking of hybrid cars, check all the facts before you're seduced by the lure of passing by all the gas pumps this summer. Any fuel savings you'll see really depends upon your driving style and environment. For example, you'll save more if most of your driving is in an urban setting. Keep in mind that those batteries won't last forever, and will need replacement at some point. Guess who'll be footing the bill for that? Start saving now. The battery packs for hybrid vehicles can run from $3,000 to $5,000. Ouch!

Another thing that the those of green persuasion tend to overlook in their enthusiasm for hybrids is that all those lovely chemicals in the battery packs are hazardous and must be properly disposed of. What happens when 5,000,000 hybrid vehicles a year are sold in the U.S. alone? What a disposal problem. Will we be able to recycle all of the chemicals? Add this to the fact that, given the driving habits of many, hybrids may not deliver the promised increase in fuel economy. For most, even including the generous federal tax incentives, hybrid vehicles cannot justify their higher initial cost, and they're not as green as many think.

Back to oil prices for a second. All goods are transported to market (including the gas at the pump), and so are affected by the rise in oil prices. With the summer driving season upon us, people will be taking vacations and driving more, and consequently demanding a greater quantity of fuel. Watch for that to drive prices at the pump up some more. Some locations are predicted to see $4.00/gal gas. Hope yours isn't one of them. If this continues though, there is a silver lining. The high fuel prices will spur development of alternative energy sources and processes. This spells great investment opportunity for the investor that's willing to do a little research.