miles to go before I sleep

It is no secret that people drive a lot in this country. It is a big country after all and the best way to get around is to drive and fly. In 1994, Americans drove enough miles in personal vehicles for 70 million (yes million) trips to the moon and back. And in 2007, they have already exceeded that distance in the first 7 months alone. All at an average speed below 30 mph. In 250+ hp cars with equally impressive amounts of torque. But there is some good news.

According to the EPA, the hydrocarbon emissions per vehicle decreased by about 15 grams per mile between 1960 and 2000. It is projected that by 2015, the hydrocarbon emissions per vehicle per mile will be less than 1 gram. How is that for good news? You can clearly see that improved technology is the way solve problems. Or is it?

The catch is that during the same period, vehicle miles traveled rose by approximately 1,600 billion miles. And by 2015, EPA estimates the vehicle miles traveled will increase to about 3,400 billion miles. Also, given the increased efficiency, people are now driving bigger and heavier vehicles. Why not take advantage of our gains you say? The increased weight and bulk alone have already nullified our fuel efficiency gains and then some.

And isn't the solution to pollution issues such as global warming in new technology? Haven't we solved all our problems in the past that way? And doesn't new technology mean new ways of making money. And more jobs for the economy? The green economy can provide lots of new sources of green. Especially when it is as easy as slapping a new label onto things. And the labeling artists are indeed having a ball with things such as green, solar, hybrid, etc.

Unfortunately more consumption is not the way out this current mess. We are here today because of excess consumption. Excess that is ever increasing because there are ever more of us consuming more per person. And every little efficiency gain means more cash is available for more consumption.

The EPA states that one of the best ways to reduce air pollution is to drive less. But where is the fun in that? Another helpful suggestion is to use public transportation, or bicycle to work. Or buy a smaller car. Clearly the EPA does not get it.

Furthermore the EPA suggests that you stop using engine driven tools in your backyard. You know those fun snow blowers, lawn mowers, leaf-blowers, chain saws, and other "power" tools. Spend a weekend afternoon in suburbia to enjoy the sounds of lawn mowers, leaf-blowers and chain saws. And it is not just inefficient engines used excessively.

According to the EPA, the amount of gasoline spilled trying to fill these devices is a significant source of air, ground, and water pollution. And spilling we do. A recent report found that Americans spill 17 million gallons of fuel each year while refilling their gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. That is a spill larger than the Exxon Valdez each and every year.

Here is an exercise tip for you. One that will save you money and help the environment. Why don't you bicycle to work and mow your lawn with an old fashioned lawn mower. One that you push yourself. Or better still, get rid of the lawn. It will save water too.