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All About Cars
Frankly, I don't know why the government is even still talking about setting time limits for automakers to increase car mileage. We'll still be dependent on oil, and we'll still be polluting when we drive.
What about forcing car makers to build electric cars? Investing in infrastructure, like high-speed trains running across the country along major freeways? Returning to a slower way of living, which would definitely reduce a lot of stress, not to mention stress-related illnesses and the over consumption of our energy resources?
For now, the Environmental Protection Agency has compiled a list of 2009's top ten fuel efficient cars in the compact category:
1. Honda Civic Hybrid (40 city/ 45 hwy)
2. Smart fortwo (33/41)
3. Volkswagen Jetta Sedan (30/41)
4. Toyota Yaris (29/36)
5. Mini Cooper Clubman (28/37)
6. Honda Fit (28/35)
7. Toyota Corolla (27/35) (That's the car I have--it'll be 18 years old in Sept 09, and only has 80,000 miles on it because I rarely use it.)
8. Pontiac G3 (27/34)
9. tie - Nissan Versa, Scion xD, Hyundai Accept, Kia Rio (all are 27/33)
(source: The Seattle Times, 4/12/09)
*Notice how almost all of these cars are NOT made by the U.S. auto industry, which makes me think that bailing out Detroit is a bad idea. They don't get it; they want to build Hummer's and gas-guzzling luxury cars that nobody truly needs. (If people want fancy things, can't they satisfy that need with eco fashion and visiting posh eco spas?)
I say let's give the workers jobs building solar panels and wind turbines. Or let's put Toyota and Honda in charge of those auto companies, and have them make only electric cars. We are smart enough to find a way to get around without using fossil fuels.
We can't wait for the government to change things. The big corporations have so much at stake, and so much power in Washington. But, if you think about it, we, as consumers, should have the power. Supply and demand. There are more of us than there are of them.
If we demand electric cars (or some other eco-friendly equivalent) and boycott American products (and products from other countries) that don't truly adhere to strict eco principles, eventually automakers will have to listen. Eventually, Washington will stop bailing out companies that make products most people don't want to by.
If we flood our local, state, and national government representatives with letters that demand higher eco standards when it comes to our transportation needs, eventually, congress will have the courage to truly change things. The more people demand change, the easier it will be for senators and representatives to pass legislation that truly has an impact -- without worrying how their votes might impact their re-election chances.
It's up to you, your family, your friends, your neighbors. What are you willing to live without? Will you bike to work? Will you use mass transit? Will you telecommute? Will you move closer to your job and walk to work? Are you willing to find ways to reduce your dependence on your car?
If we organize, we can make change happen. Everyone, even you, needs to learn about the issues and the options, as well as find and join the groups that are already behind the cause.
Fancy people don't just sit around waiting for the government to fix things. They take action. So, go out there and get green. And pass it on, and on, and on.
Thanks for visiting. Please come back again!
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