ecoXplorer 2018 Year in Review

The stats are in, and here are the most popular ecoXplorer posts of 2018.

You are a smart group of followers who want to avoid being ripped-off, since most of the top posts are our “scam alert” advisories.

And an eclectic bunch, since other top posts ranged from endangered animals to a kitschy stretch limousine.

Drum roll please.

Here are the top posts on ecoXplorer for the year, as chosen by you, to read if you missed them, or reread.

#1 Reasons to Avoid Jimmy John’s

The trophy hunting of endangered animals was in the headlines numerous times in 2018.  I don’t approve of killing endangered animals for sport, and neither do you.

As I wrote, the photos of Jimmy John’s founder with a dead elephant and a dead leopard have nothing to do with the quality of the food his franchises serve, but they do say a great deal about the quality of the man.

#2 Scam Alert: Mideast Peace Charities

This most-viewed post also generated more comments than any other post of the year, so thanks to followers for the lively discussion.

I always recommend that you thoroughly investigate the rating a charity or non-profit group before donating your hard-earned money, and that you should avoid donating your money to groups which mis-use or misrepresent your donations.

#3 Lamborghini Stretch Limousine

The popularity of this post surprised me, since it dates from 2013, but it tells us Lambos are always interesting to read about and dream about, and this is one of the few you can actually rent.

SEE ALSO

Car subscription services are alternative to buying or renting

#4 Scam Alert: Bahamas Free Cruise

The free cruise scam used to come in the mail. Now it arrives by phone and email. The technology may have changed, but not the scam.

We’ve said it often, and we’ll say it again:

Any offer that sounds too good to be true, probably is.

# 5 Scam Alert: Kars4Kids

The endless radio and TV commercials with the endless jingle drives us all nuts.

And you are nuts if you donate your car to a charity that’s been accused and sued multiple times for misleading advertising and misuse of donated money.

Once again, before you donate your money, car, or even your boat or real estate to any charity on the planet, check them out with one of the charity rating services first to find out whether they get a passing grade.  This one doesn’t.

#6 Best 2017 Cars Under $18,000

Who says you have to spend big bucks to drive a good looking car loaded with safety features?  Not me.

Kick the tires and take a test drive.

#7 Chipotle Credit Card Breach

Identity theft was another big story of 2018, and there were several credit card breaches that made us all nervous.

The Chipotle credit card breach was scary enough to make you upchuck your burrito bowl.

#8 Veterans Day Freebies and Deals

Proudly, national chain restaurants and other retailers offer free meals and other perks to US Military, past and present.

Thank you for your service every day, not just on Veterans Day.

And you can thank these businesses in return by eating and shopping with them on other days of the year, not just on Veterans Day

SEE ALSO

Alegiant Air offers free perks for the military

#9 Foreign Cars Made in America

Trump Administration tariffs on steel and proposed tariffs on imported cars overlook an important part of the automotive industry.

Which is the all the foreign automakers who have invested hundreds of billions of dollars to produce millions of vehicles here in the USA, and employ hundreds of thousands of American workers to build them.

SEE ALSO

VW Factory in Tennessee is world’s first LEED certified eco-factory

#10 Avoid Buying Turtle Shell Souvenirs

Turtles also are endangered.  You can help save them by purchasing souvenirs that aren’t made of turtle shells.

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And Happy New Year!