Since I've been thinking about and looking at vehicles lately, I thought I would share a few links to the just recently announced Top 10 'Green' vehicles, by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Here the List (Top 13 actually- there were some ties)
HONDA CIVIC GX (Compressed Natural Gas)
NISSAN LEAF (Electric (Li-ion bat.))
SMART FORTWO CABRIOLET / SMART FORTWO COUPE
TOYOTA PRIUS (Hybrid)
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
HONDA INSIGHT
FORD FIESTA SFE
CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
MINI COOPER
TOYOTA YARIS
MAZDA 2*
CHEVROLET VOLT (Electric (Li-ion batt.))
(note: all vehicles are gas-powered unless otherwise noted CNG, electric or Hybrid)
check out the full list/ratings here
A few comments:
1) I personally do not believe CNG (compressed natural gas), is really a viable long-term option for individual vehicles. The report notes that these vehicles are only sold in a few states, CA and NY among them. The main drawback is the infrastructure needed to 'fill up' these vehicles. CNG can be a good option for fleet vehicles such as for buses or local government public works, but until the infrastructure is there, I don't see this as viable for the average individual. If you differ - would love to hear from you.
2) Most of the gas-powered vehicles listed here are 'manual' transmissions. Personally, I prefer to drive a manual than automatic. This is however a drawback as I'm unsure our younger generations have been taught how to drive a stick-shift. Well, time to start teaching. Interesting, another benefit of 'manual' vehicles, which I and others have known for years, is they get better gas mileage :)
Diesel Vehicles Are An Option
The Best New 2011 Diesel Vehicles have also been announced. This comes from thedailygreen: the consumers guide to the green revolution. For those unaware, most of the newer diesel vehicles are designed with excellent gas mileage. Here's a link to 9 Myths and Facts about Clean Diesel Vehicles which you might find interesting.
For a long time now I've been waiting for the U.S. automobile market to finally get it's act together and start selling high mpg diesel vehicles, which have been selling in Europe for years.
As a matter of fact, I first learned about high mpg diesel vehicles on a trip to Slovakia (Slovak Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia) in 2005. I had the fortune of staying with a young couple and their 3 children for several days (relatives of a family friend here in U.S.). During this time, Roman, the father, and I spent a fair amount of time talking about the general state of affairs in the U.S. and Europe, while driving in his GM-made diesel vehicle that got 40+mpg.
Why, I pondered, are these vehicles not available in the U.S.? Clearly, this was a U.S. auto-maker who was manufacturing and selling these high mileage vehicles in Europe. Why not in the U.S.? Well, there's a whole host of reasons - gas prices in the U.S. were much lower at the time, the U.S. auto industry lobby & oil lobby, and the American public's acceptance of what we're given/sold, among other things.
Still, what I remember the most about this discussion and experience was the price of gas at the pump when Roman and I filled up - equal to about $3.50/gallon. Interesting! Just as we here in the U.S. are facing $3.50/gallon gas prices, which I hear are expected to reach $4/gallon this summer - we're seeing the peak of high mileage 'green' and diesel vehicles. At least they are on the market, because we are going to need them. Unfortunately, the economic downturn means for many Americans these vehicles will continue to be out of reach for many.
Of course I cannot post about 'green' vehicles without a caution - Peak oil and the Long Emergency (a book of that same title by Saratoga author Jim Kunstler about the decline of cheap oil) are here, so please keep that in mind when thinking long term as oil is a non-renewable resource, and it's important that we as individuals and communities be thinking and planning how to be self-sufficient and significantly less reliant upon oil as a means of transportation and for producing electricity for our 'electric' vehicles.
Thanks and here's to, well, taking the bus :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Climate Change in the Adirondacks - Event Feb 22nd
Well, I've been a bit busy these days keeping up with school work, getting my office and paper work organized, and helping to organize this event. So, figured it would make a good post. I hope some local Saratoga/Capital District folks will attend this event. I expect it to be an interesting discussion. And, if you care about or have any interest in Adirondack ecosystems - this event will be a good one. The potential damage to the unique ecosystems of the Adirondacks from climate change could be devastating.
So, hope some of you can come out of your last weeks of hibernation (which is what I've also been doing :), and enjoy this event. I used several of Mr. Jenkins' books for a course I taught this past fall on Environmental Issues of the Adirondacks, so I am particularly excited about the opportunity to meet Jerry and listen to his talk.
ECOLOGIST, AUTHOR JERRY JENKINS TO SPEAK AT SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Jan. 28, 2011) – SUNY Empire State College is hosting a program about climate change in the region. The program is co-sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga and the Empire State College sustainability committee.
What: “Climate Change in the Adirondacks,” a lecture by Jerry Jenkins.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011; refreshments at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m., followed by Q&A.
Where: SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., room 126, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Why: Jerry Jenkins is a well-known ecologist and researcher for the Wildlife Conservation Society. He has authored numerous books on the Adirondacks including two books on climate change. His first book, “The Adirondack Atlas (Syracuse University Press, 2004), is a collection of maps and stories, and considers issues of regional significance such as climate change, acid rain, survival of farms and commercial forests, tourism and recreational use, and patterns of development.
His latest, “Climate Change in the Adirondacks: The Path to Sustainability” (Published in Association with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Comstock Publishing Associates – May 1, 2010) provides a comprehensive look at the effects of climate change in the forest-rich upstate New York parklands region as well as sustainable solutions for reducing carbon emissions for the region. For background on the book, please go to http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/climate-change-in-the-adirondacks-book.aspx.
Come learn about these critical issues affecting the region, and what local groups and institutions are doing to work towards solutions. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP (requested, though not required), to Susan McFadden, special events coordinator,at: susan.mcfadden@esc.edu or 518-587-2100, ext. 2949.
Parking is located in the back of the building, accessible from Circular Street or on Union Avenue. Carpooling, walking or taking the bus (Rte. 473 – stop at Union and Circular) is highly encouraged.
For additional information or in case of inclement weather go to: www.sustainablesaratoga.com or www.esc.edu.
About SUNY Empire State College
SUNY Empire State College, celebrating its 40th year throughout 2011, was established in 1971 to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York. Students learn through independent studies, online courses, seminars and residencies. Learners also may earn credit for prior college-level learning from work and life experience.
The college serves more than 20,000 students worldwide at 34 locations in New York state and online. Its 60,000-strong alumni are active in their communities as entrepreneurs, politicians, business professionals, artists, not-for-profit agency employees, teachers, veterans and military, and more. Many take leadership in advocacy of open and state public education, such as that offered by the State University of New York.
For more information, visit www.esc.edu. For specific information about the 40th Anniversary celebration, please go to: http://suny-empire.esc.edu/40th-anniversary/
About Sustainable Saratoga
Sustainable Saratoga is a grassroots advocacy organization formed in 2008 whose mission is to make the City of Saratoga Springs a better place to live both now and for future generations by promoting economic and environmentally sustainable practices in all aspects of the community. An all-volunteer organization, Sustainable Saratoga works collaboratively with local government, residents, businesses and other organizations to identify, develop and implement policies, programs and resources, which help us achieve this mission. For more information go to http://www.sustainablesaratoga.com/
So, hope some of you can come out of your last weeks of hibernation (which is what I've also been doing :), and enjoy this event. I used several of Mr. Jenkins' books for a course I taught this past fall on Environmental Issues of the Adirondacks, so I am particularly excited about the opportunity to meet Jerry and listen to his talk.
ECOLOGIST, AUTHOR JERRY JENKINS TO SPEAK AT SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Jan. 28, 2011) – SUNY Empire State College is hosting a program about climate change in the region. The program is co-sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga and the Empire State College sustainability committee.
What: “Climate Change in the Adirondacks,” a lecture by Jerry Jenkins.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011; refreshments at 6:30 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m., followed by Q&A.
Where: SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., room 126, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Why: Jerry Jenkins is a well-known ecologist and researcher for the Wildlife Conservation Society. He has authored numerous books on the Adirondacks including two books on climate change. His first book, “The Adirondack Atlas (Syracuse University Press, 2004), is a collection of maps and stories, and considers issues of regional significance such as climate change, acid rain, survival of farms and commercial forests, tourism and recreational use, and patterns of development.
His latest, “Climate Change in the Adirondacks: The Path to Sustainability” (Published in Association with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Comstock Publishing Associates – May 1, 2010) provides a comprehensive look at the effects of climate change in the forest-rich upstate New York parklands region as well as sustainable solutions for reducing carbon emissions for the region. For background on the book, please go to http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/climate-change-in-the-adirondacks-book.aspx.
Come learn about these critical issues affecting the region, and what local groups and institutions are doing to work towards solutions. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP (requested, though not required), to Susan McFadden, special events coordinator,at: susan.mcfadden@esc.edu or 518-587-2100, ext. 2949.
Parking is located in the back of the building, accessible from Circular Street or on Union Avenue. Carpooling, walking or taking the bus (Rte. 473 – stop at Union and Circular) is highly encouraged.
For additional information or in case of inclement weather go to: www.sustainablesaratoga.com or www.esc.edu.
About SUNY Empire State College
SUNY Empire State College, celebrating its 40th year throughout 2011, was established in 1971 to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York. Students learn through independent studies, online courses, seminars and residencies. Learners also may earn credit for prior college-level learning from work and life experience.
The college serves more than 20,000 students worldwide at 34 locations in New York state and online. Its 60,000-strong alumni are active in their communities as entrepreneurs, politicians, business professionals, artists, not-for-profit agency employees, teachers, veterans and military, and more. Many take leadership in advocacy of open and state public education, such as that offered by the State University of New York.
For more information, visit www.esc.edu. For specific information about the 40th Anniversary celebration, please go to: http://suny-empire.esc.edu/40th-anniversary/
About Sustainable Saratoga
Sustainable Saratoga is a grassroots advocacy organization formed in 2008 whose mission is to make the City of Saratoga Springs a better place to live both now and for future generations by promoting economic and environmentally sustainable practices in all aspects of the community. An all-volunteer organization, Sustainable Saratoga works collaboratively with local government, residents, businesses and other organizations to identify, develop and implement policies, programs and resources, which help us achieve this mission. For more information go to http://www.sustainablesaratoga.com/
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