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September 24, 2005
The Conflicted American: to Consume or Conserve?
We Have a Choice
I have been watching traffic. Yes, I know. This sounds like a rather odd past time, or perhaps a little dull. But I have been looking at driving habits and parking lot business in the Falmouth area differently in recent weeks. With rising fuel prices the hot topic and a serious issue for most of us, one might think people would be more inclined to modify their behaviors. Each day, I observe the patterns and activity, anticipating some noticeable change. I don't see it happening. The drive up lines still seem popular- no better place to observe fuel consumption in action. Delivery vehicles (at least those without company policy against it) are often seen, heard and smelled, as they idle away while drivers make half hearted efforts at speedy service. Have you ever noticed that idling vehicles often have the slowest moving drivers? I would never have noticed before now. While traffic has seemed lighter and parking lots less crowded, I have to wonder whether that is just a reflection of our normal, post-summer slow down. I just don't see the American habits improving, and barring serious shortages and longterm price increases, I doubt we will see much difference at all.
Foreigners are light years ahead of us when it comes to being fuel and energy conscious. Other countries have come to grips with the realities of traffic congestion, pollution and fuel consumption and are far advanced in their lifestyle changes. Here in America we are dedicated consumers. It is a very American trait and one that many of us seem quite proud of. Unfortunately, it is this trait that may be our own worst enemy. Where other countries have grown from the lessons forced on them by economics and environment, America seems to blindly plow forward. We rarely take the time to look back (except to find blame in something negative), and seldom plan farther ahead than tomorrow (unless something good is upcoming). Benjamin Disraeli said, “In a progressive country change is constant; change is inevitable.” How progressive are we in America?
Here we have been given the opportunity to make the necessary changes. Must we be slapped in the face to wake from our slumber? Do we have to be dragged, kicking and screaming into altering our course? That seems the only way change comes in America. We have to get the crap kicked out of us, and then we have a short period of collective national awareness and clarity of purpose. Much gets talked about, people make a few vows to change things, some people even put their hearts and lives into urging forward progress, but then the passion wears off. In no time, the need seems less urgent. People get caught up in their own lives, their own agendas and the memories fade. Just what was it we were fighting for? What was that cause that seemed so worthy? Old habits, selfishness and petty differences drive a wedge between progress and the people who create it. How quickly we forget.
Cape Cod Has the Power to Change
Recycling, transportation choices, conservation, energy saving appliances, and clean energy producers like wind and solar power are all necessary to dealing with the issue of our oil dependence. Here on Cape Cod we are unique. We have the opportunity to be home to the first offshore wind farm in the country. We have the power to make a statement that it is time for change. Not supporting this project now- especially with the impending fuel shortages we now face, is just bull-headed ignorance. We can make a difference just by letting someone else do the work for us. How often does that happen? It is like giving to a charity without the giving and without the charity. Okay, maybe that sounds ridiculous, but you get the idea. With little or no personal effort we all have the ability to send a lasting message that we are not willing to be slaves to the oil any more. We have a choice, to consume or conserve. We have decisions to make, both personal and as a society that will determine the future for ourselves, our children and generations to come. What will those decisions be Cape Cod? What is your answer to this, and what directive will we send to those who represent our interests? This crisis has been looming on the horizon and we have ignored it for too long. The solution begins with us.
Posted by capecodcyclist at September 24, 2005 08:57 PM
Comments
I think it's a mistake to place the blame for the energy crisis, etc, squarely on the shoulders of Americans. Sure, we probably do live more inefficiently, on average, than Europeans do. But I wouldn't say that the residents of other developed countries are necessarily conservation minded, nor are they living the spartan lifestyles that would be in line with the per capita global endowment of resources. Folks in China and India, roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of the world population, live far less consumeristic existences than citizens of France or Spain or England, for example.
Posted by: Jim at October 25, 2005 01:05 AM
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