First hybrid car-1900 by Porsche.

It is clear that we passed a tipping point for citizen interest and willingness to take action to reduce personal and municipal energy footprints. We've even heard a rumor that the next generation of Toyota Prius will achieve 70 miles per gallon. That will be just in time as I heard today on NPR that the nation's transportation office predicts $4.00/gal by September. http://www.hybridcars.com/news2/nissan-lithium-batteries.html

We are entering the postcarbon era and everything will change. We cannot as yet see ahead to what that will look like but, for sure, it will be exciting. The real issue is to work at the highest levels to gain international cooperation to reduce carbon emissions by half over the next two to three decades.

That means electing officials that can lead environmental and social movements and whose vision is cooperative and conciliatory-obviously, NOT what we have in power now.

So, probably the most important thing to do first is to get active in your city, county, state and then U.S. government to pass incentives and regulations that will result in vehicles with much higher miles/gallons and require businesses to reduce their energy footprints. http://italy.usembassy.gov/pdf/other/RL33831.pdf

In the meantime, think about how you personally can drive your own car less by simple changes in behavior:

• Put all your errands on one big circular route to avoid additional trips;


• Shop with friends or neighbors and enjoy being together more;


• Take the bus or a shuttle one day a week to work and don't let anything interfere with your plan-declare that day your green mansion;


• If you can afford it and its time to buy a new car (remember that replacing a car just brings all the carbon emissions for the production of the new one into the picture) purchase a hybrid;


• Keep your current vehicle in top running shape.

The next most important thing would be to fly less. The next to insulate your home to the max.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

Be well,

Susan