Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on October 28, 2012 at 9:07pm

The people don't have the will to make the changes that would be needed to get us off of oil. We really need to rethink how we plan our communities--especially how much rely on vehicles.

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on October 28, 2012 at 9:23pm

Having the will to get off oil isn't simple. It will require an enormous amount of rethinking, in every arena of life, starting with vehicles - an entire reinvention of world cultures. A reinvention of our self concepts too. But our only alternative is self destruction. Those of us who are capable of re-imagining civilization as sustainable must step up and speak out, lead the way.

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on October 30, 2012 at 11:19am

Speaking of the will to get off oil, the Carbon Fee and Dividend approach is gaining support.

Carbon Fee and Dividend: to Spur Job Creation, Industrial Boom

I found the Citizens Climate Lobby site helpful, if you're a US citizen. They make it easy to send a letter to your congressman. I was able to send a letter to urge support for the End Polluter Welfare Act in a minute, even with a personalized message.

Citizens Climate Lobby is endorsed by James Hansen

"Most impressive is the work of Citizens Climate Lobby, a relatively new, fastgrowing, nonpartisan, nonprofit group with 60 chapters across the United States and Canada. If you want to join the fight to save the planet, to save creation for your grandchildren, there is no more effective step you could take than becoming an active member of this group."

- Dr. James Hansen, head of Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on October 28, 2012 at 9:29pm

In the long term it's certainly a complicated proposition; however, in the short term there are lots of things that individuals can, but most won't, do. People can start walking, riding bikes and using public transportation much more than they currently do. I know some people who drive three blocks from their homes to stores.

Permalink Reply by Nerdlass on October 29, 2012 at 1:10am

One thing I have definitely noticed, while living in Japan is that even in the most vehicle-heavy prefecture, you can still manage most places without the use of a personal vehicle. I have lived here for three years--almost three and a half, now--and all of that time without my own car. Most times, I just ride my bike around. If I need to go out of town, I use trains. There are a few places where I need a car, so in those case, I carpool with friends.

Part of the problem in the US is that the way we build our cities, we section things off into zones: residential, business, industrial, and so on. Because of that, it makes reliance on bikes very difficult. I have a friend who recently returned to her home state from Japan. She has had a rough time trying to depend solely on her bike. She said it takes over an hour for her to get most places, in order to run errands.

The infrastructure for public transit in most states is lacking, as well. You might be able to use public transit and vanpools if you live near big cities, but you're pretty screwed if not. Telecomuting is a great alternative. It's not something that everyone can do, however.

I think some of the traffic bloat (and wasting of gas) could be relieved if businesses would stagger their workshifts more or offer 12-hour, 4 day shifts for those who wish to work them.

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on October 30, 2012 at 11:11am

I agree, Jonathan and Nerdlass. The US has the wrong transportation infrastructure. We have no choice but to change at the national and community level, so individuals can make green choices.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on October 30, 2012 at 11:14am

Yeah exactly Ruth - "US has the wrong transportation infrastructure"

we would need to redo (and build) much of the entire infrastructure here for the public transportation to even be a possibility.