Energy efficiency needs more than hybrids, solar and wind

We often get too focused on panaceas for problems facing us. Case in point is the energy crisis. Improving fuel efficiency of cars will only go so far. That is when you get these Eureka moments like this study from the Pacific Institute.

The Pacific Institute estimates that in 2006: * Producing the bottles for American consumption required the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of oil, not including the energy for transportation * Bottling water produced more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide * It took 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of bottled water

The American fascination with bottled water - this in a nation that should pride itself on the best tap water availability anywhere in the world is taking a big toll on its energy independence. Plastic bags in supermarkets and grocery stores are another area of concern.

But before you start running out and replace plastic bags with paper - think about this - that paper is coming from a felled tree! So what is the solution - consider "moderation", "thriftiness" and other such words that have fallen out of our vocabulary. Consider using as few bags as possible to pack your groceries. Consider reusable water bottles and drinking tap water where available.

Click here for more from the Pacific Institute.