The Post has
a story this morning about how some couples have disagreements over which steps to take to green their lives. Many are willing to green some of their habits, but folks have their limits -- and some don't want to go to what the Post calls "extremes."
Examples: One woman drives a hybrid car, but knows her husband will criticize her for "only" getting 42 mpg, so she resets the mpg counter after each drive. Another conflict arises over whether or not to clean and re-use plastic carryout food containers. Still another feud brews over whether or not to re-use shower water to do laundry.
I applaud everyone who takes even a small step to green up their lives, because all of the little things will add up and help homeowners save resources such as energy, water, food -- and save a bit of money in the process. But I think we need to keep things in perspective: In terms of climate change (and other environmental issues), industry contributes the lion's share of emissions and impacts. The way America is going to help reduce climate impacts is to encourage the development of clean energy sources and delivery, make our buildings more energy efficient, and to green other industries so they produce fewer emissions and less waste.
Individuals can take steps in two main areas to reduce their environmental and carbon footprints: Home energy use and transportation. Make your home more energy efficient in any small way that you can afford. Then try to drive less, use public transit more, and when you buy a car, choose the one with the best mpg for your needs. If you don't need an SUV, van or pickup truck every day, consider renting one when you do need it, rather than buying one.
As NRDC scientist Allen Hershkowitz told me in an interview last year for a story I wrote for the National Geographic Channel web site, addressing environmental challenges will take millions of small steps by millions of people, organizations, companies and goverments. Any little thing you can do helps. I say if you're getting 42 mpg in your hybrid, that's great. The U.S. fleet average is like 27, so you're doing 50 percent better than average. Don't sweat it -- but maybe get your neighbor or cousing to buy a hybrid, too.
Hershkowitz also told me that we should all do everthing we can, in terms of buying greener products, reducing waste and energy use, etc. But he also noted that it's a process of small refinements. I agree with this: Take a small step now and next month see what else you can do. I also think we don't all have to be environmental champions and max out right away, but if we can take small steps every month or every year, we'll all be better off.
Labels: climate change, dc green, environment, extreme green, green living, hybrid cars, hybrids, washington green
