a *greater* GAS OUT

Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 07:54:15 -0300 (ADT)
From: Paul A Falvo <pfalvo@chebucto.ns.ca>
To: Sustainable Maritimes <sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca>
Precedence: bulk
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On Wed, 28 Apr 1999, Brian C. Bradley wrote:

[. . .]

> Although much of what you mentioned is of good value, there are some of us
> on this earth that require a car to remain employed.  Many other
> salespersons, like myself at times, may exceed an average of over 1,000
> km/week in traveling.  This is a pre-requisite to our feeding our children
> and family members.

Brian, you give new meaning to the term "defensive driver" :)  
I think on sust-mar we've been down this road before (no pun intended) 

Seriously tho, it mystifies me to hear environmentalists stick up for cars
-- one of the biggest environmental problems on the planet. I mean, using
them is one thing ... but why go to lengths to defend them?

More to the point, why does encouragement of environmentally-responsible
transport meet with resistance? Would the suggestion of using recycled
paper or "green" building materials meet with opposition? Would advice on
composting or recycling be criticised as an invasion of personal freedom?

Actually, I think Brian has identified the crux of the issue: behind every
environmental problem are good people trying to make an honest buck.  But
somehow, we as a society are going wrong.  And our environment is paying
the price for our lavish North American lifestyle. 

In Ontario alone, almost 2000 die annually from air pollution caused in no
small part by cars.  I don't know the Maritime statistics ... but I think
I have a right to speak up before I become one.  My quality of life is
damaged by the actions of others, and I'm not happy about it. >:-(

Moreover, i think i have a moral obligation to speak up for all that is
defenceless and voiceless ... the critters that lose their homes to
habitat destruction for road-building, and the irreplaceable ecosystems
that are destroyed for the sake of gas production ... the list goes on. 

So i stand by my original suggestion urging people to try and go without
using gas one day per year. Maybe even make a habit of it ... walk, bike,
public transit ... even carpool if you must. It's not all or nothing.
Reduction counts. 

And if you feel you absolutely MUST drive your car, keep it tuned up ... 
use one of those vacuum doohickey's that Brian has ... and use it as
little as possible. I know lots of people who "need" their car for work,
or "for their kids" ... yet they also use the car to return movies, buy
bread, recreation, etc. I know how easy it is to fall into the habit of
using the car for everything, b/c i used to have one.

Finally, before you get mad at me, do keep in mind that my suggestion is
just that. It's not a judgement nor an attack on any individual. But it is
an attack on pollution, and a suggestion for *everyone*.

Will technology save us? I don't know. But i do know that we all make our
own choices, set our own priorities. Only you can decide whether to drive
a car ... whether it is a "need" or a "want" ... and when to use it.

I'll leave with a quote from Jason Blanch, a CIDA intern in El Salvador:

"Our world is warming and yet we burn fuel to fight the wind. Today i
realize the impact i make. Teaching kids every day makes me realize the
size of my own ecological footprint. I think everyone who thinks they are
environmental should try to justify their lives to a class of elementary
students every week or two. Talk is our weakness and action our
salvation."

Jason wasn't talking about cars btw, but i think it's an appropriate
comparison. This quote was taken from "The Gaia Newsletter" of the Sierra
Club's British Columbia Chapter.

take care ... and take action "for your kids"
~paul :)

__________________________________________________________________________
Paul A. Falvo, LL.B. * chebucto.ns.ca/~pfalvo/Profile.html * (416)694-1513
Communications Chair, Sierra Club, Eastern Canada Chapter

 

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