Green Ethics

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  revlarry@...04/10/08 Report as spam
  1

  Prius Drivers

  Here in the heart of GM country, I don't see too many people driving a Prius. However, in the last few days I have noticed 3 -- and each time something struck me: While the Prius may have been saving a lot of gasoline, the driver was driving in such a way as to waste the gasoline of other drivers. In two cases, the Prius was obstructing the flow of traffic -- at one stop light the driver started so slowly as to leave many behind sitting through an extra light. In another incident, the driver was so slow (substantially below the speed limit and in the left lane) that traffic ended up stopping for each synchronzed stop light. The third case involved a Prius pulling out into traffic and forcing a line of cars to brake and then re-accelerate.
  The common factor here is that the Prius might have been saving gas for its owner, but the driver was wasting the gas of others by his diving habits.
  Now, I am sure these problems exist in drivers of gas-guzzlers as well, but I think the point here is that we need to watch how our driving impacts the flow of traffic. Every speed-up and slow-down, every start and stop, every unneeded wait at a traffic light also wastes fuel.
  If a person wants to save fuel and save the environmnt, that person must do more than merely change to a more-efficient vehicle -- he or she should also look to the whole system and not make things worse by HOW he or she chooses to drive. Let the other driver save a little gas, too.

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  dhill104/10/08 Report as spam
  2

  Squishy ethics.

  This type of thinking has been going on for ages. We will take the good, even from those who's intentions are less than admirable. Do we think the French had no other motive for helping us defeat the British in the American Revolution? Don't kid yourselves. They helped because a defeated Britain meant a stronger France. But, you know what? We accepted the help gladly! The same with Russia in WWII. I do not own a hybrid, but may purchase one in the future. When I do, I will base my decision on three things: 1. Price; 2. Performance; 3. Eco-friendliness. In that order. If those motives, don't line up with those of the majority or of the green movement, so be it, but enjoy the fact that I will have purchased a hybrid anyway.
  
  By the way, my second vehicle will remain a '69 Camaro with a big block 396!

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  SPelch04/10/08 Report as spam
  3

  Save my wallet first, then the world

  I was in the market for a new car March 2007. I had specific requirements...turned out a "crossover" is what I needed, with All wheel drive.
  
  Looked at various makes and models, and some hybrids...turned out, I would need to drive that hybrid for 12 years to recoup the price difference between it and the gas model, in gas savings.
  
  There is ZERO logic in spending MORE for anything that is allegedly better for the environment.
  
  Not only that, but 80% of my driving is highway...and I'm pretty sure at 65mph I'm running on the gas, not electric motor....So what's the point?
  
  When they develop an all electric car, that doesn't die halfway up a Western Pennsylvania mountain, that I don't have to recharge every hour due to the terrain, that has all wheel drive, and doesn't look like a pregnant roller skate, doesn't cost twice what a gas powered car does, and doesn't require exhorbitant repair costs...I'll consider one next time I'm in the market for some new wheels....
  
  In the meantime, on nice days, I'm going to drive my 1972 Corvette Stingray...you can watch the gas guage drop...when I need to move something big, I'm driving my king cab pick up, and when I'm buzzing around town...it'll be in my suzuki SX4- which for anyone in the market, is an awesome ride...greatest bang for the buck goes great in the snow...30mpg too...great car!
  
  When I see someone driving a hybrid going over 34mph, I think..."SUCKER" because you KNOW they paid a ton more money for that car than they should have, and they're driving on the gas motor anyways.

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  gentlereader04/10/08 Report as spam
  4

  RE: Green Ethics

  Minivans
  I never considered them a "statement vehicle." I don't have one because I don't have kids, but everyone I know who does, uses them to haul the kids and sometimes grandma and grandpa, bicycles, sleeping bags, sports equipment, etc. Completely functional, sensible choice of vehicle.

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  dbelanger04/10/08 Report as spam
  5

  RE: Green Ethics

  My observation is that people generally buy cars for the statement they make about themselves as well as the functionality. Most people looks for the functions they need, then make sure that vehicle fits their personality too.
  So, the "green" car is way too expensive to purchase for the sole purpose of a greener economy. Some of my friends preach "green" but haven't purchased that hybrid because of the cost--they have, on the other hand, found a car that feels matches who they are.
  I don't see the ethical dilemma here. I think people that have purchased the Prius to make a statement are trying to get the "green" message out by saying, "See what I drive? I'm eco-friendly." They obviously didn't buy it for the monetary value--there is none.
  Cars like the Prius will never hit mainstream until the become more affordable, more practicle, and mandated by the government.