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.

Yesterday once more - Lambretta, Vespa, Scooters and Carbon Footprint

John, Rob & Ritchie, guests on the show about scooters and scooter culture, and their Lambretta and Vespa scooters
Originally uploaded by Jim Hawkins, BBC Radio Shropshire

It's very interesting when you look at the history of scooters in the post WWII Europe - an answer to the need for mobility in economically distressed times, they lost in popularity by the 70's when everyone in Western Europe could afford a car.

Today, due to a difference set of reasons it may be the time to revive two-wheeled transportation. the reasons being energy conservation and environment protection. Considering that a vast majority of Americans drive alone, wouldn't it make much more sense to ride a motorcycle or scooter?

But not Harleys or other big beasts. It makes no sense to ride a motorcyle that gives you less mileage than a regular Toyota Yaris with 5 passenger capability, air conditioning, etc. I am thinking city bikes with 50 cc engines and freeway legal bikes with 250 cc engines.