Is green enviable?

David, Illinois — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:33:24 GMT

A couple of things...

How many "old guzzling belchers" are there, really? Most properly running cars from the 80s, say, would not have any higher emissions than new cars, and would probably get better mileage. They tend to be smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than current models. The '82 Dodge Omni, '82 Honda Civic, and '82 VW Jetta all got more than 50mpg on the highway! Why do we need hybrids?

On happiness, check out "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner. I'm reading it right now and just finished the chapter on Iceland. Weiner has an entertaining style that makes it a fun read.

Is green enviable?

Jay - Blacksburg, Virginia — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:14:53 GMT

I've seen theories similar to the earthquake light, in a small scale, used to explain the many "phantom brakeman" and "ghost light" stories across the U.S. There seem to be hundreds of rail lines that have bobbing balls of light that appear at night, and some think that the stresses caused by the weight of the trains are causing them to appear. Most of the ghost lights also appear in areas where cystalline rock stress could be a factor.

Is green enviable?

Will Femia — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:01:58 GMT

David, you're right about the belching guzzlers. I confess the Cuba coverage on TV had planted subliminal visions of rusty, bubble fendered clunkers held together with coat hanger wire.

As I recall, the little Subaru I learned to drive on in the 80s was also good on gas.

Is green enviable?

RC, Indiana — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:05:58 GMT

Three typos in one day's posting?

fixing and (AN) old car
is to (TOO) prevalent
Noah's arc (ARK)

I don't go around dogging folks for their spelling gaffes, unless they are a print journalist whose job is to communicate via the written word. ;)

Please consider initiating some sort of QC into the blog posting process.

Is green enviable?

Will Femia — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:44:59 GMT

RC, as you may have noticed by the time stamp, it's a hazard of late night posting.

Is green enviable?

A.G. Pym, Richland, Washington — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:54:48 GMT

What I first thought of when I read the "seasteading" piece was "Rife's Raft" from Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash" - though without the nefarious undercurrent.

Is green enviable?

CE, Pacific Northwest — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:04:32 GMT

Will, the bit about creating "Used regular cars may be better than new green cars" reminded me of a news story (I think from the NY Times, but don't remember exactly) that I read some months ago comparing the purchase of a new Hummer versus a new typical hybrid. Per the report, you were actually doing less damage to the environment when you purchased a Hummer.

The reasoning went like this: The Hummer definately passed more pollutants and used more fuel during its use - no arguement. But it is in the assembly and the disposal of the vehicle where the true difference and environmental damage was made.

The Hummer is made of more materials; but in the end, lasts (on average) twice as long as the hybrid (the average Hummer lasts more than 200K miles, but the average hybrid lasts around 100K). So, when you have used and thrown away one Hummer you have used and thrown away two hybrid cars. Also, the manufacturing of the battery for those hybrids is a horribly polluting process. That report made me think of all vehicles in a totally different way. If I can find a link, I will pass it along to you.