As Americans (yes, you Kanadians aren't getting off easy on this one
) we are guilty of being the most conspicuous consumers this earth has ever seen. Yes, we have to change. Individually having a "holier than thou" attitude is probably the worst thing that we can do. Why? Are you just trying to make yourself feel better? It's obvious that every one of us is better at conservation than
someone else.
Tim: not trying to get in a pissing contest here, but while you are telling all of us how wonderful you are with doing your best to reduce your carbon footprint (I "get" the implication that you are way better than any of us in this, thank you), you are doing it while typing on a PC: arguably one of the worst envonmental friendly device ever invented. (Rather odd that it is called a "PC"
). I'm not perfect, and I'll be the first to say so. Of course, I
believe that I am better at conservation
in some things than others, but I'm not going to tell everyone here that I am. I'll just do what little I can, quietly, and go on with my business. Yes, I feel godd about what I have done, and guilty from knowing I can do more.
Here's a good one: I have a cabin in Maine. Is it better to drive there for the weekend and then park my car or to stay home doing countless short trips, watching the big screen, and running the A/C (I'm only partially joking).
The reality is that for that large majority of us, the motivation is not to conserve because it's good for the earth: we conserve when it hurts (costs) not to.
Think globally: act locally. We've got our work cut out for us. Start by tuning up your cars, using CFL lightbulbs (only for those that stay on for longer periods), recycle ALL of your empties, carpool, lower your thermostat, invest in "green" energy. These are easy to do.