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What is there to say about gas guzzling trucks
and SUV's?
Quite a bit that's for sure. However let us not lose sight of a very
important detail:
The right tool for the right job.
Some vehicles will always need to use more gas. That is a fact of
life, especially for those of us who use such vehicles for work related
activities... and particularly when and where any other vehicle would not be able to do the job.
In these situations, the act of "guzzling gas" is justified by the results
that the vehicle as a "tool" achieves and the absence of a viable
alternative. In these cases, it is no shame to own and drive a larger
vehicle: Again, the right tool for the Job !!!
BUT...
With that said, we've only covered a portion of the most energy wasting
and polluting vehicles on the roads today.
A very large proportion remains that is used primarily for leisure and
single occupant commuting. This type of vehicular use is what
constitutes an abuse of our natural and global resources and that of the
environment we and our children depend on.
Why place limits on what some people can and should buy?
We are not advocating the use of limits on the consumer with regards to
their choices . However, as consumers many of us cannot see beyond our
choices, needs and desires. These choices we often make, affect not
only us but the world around us, so it is important to make the best possible
choices we can.
We believe the government can play an important role in incentivizing the
rational popular thinking for the better good and penalizing the poorer
choices unless they can be assessed as an economic or public benefit.
We do not believe it is healthy to outlaw gas guzzlers, but we fully endorse
a sizable penalty when such vehicles are purchased and used for leisure and
personal vanity.
I have a large family so an SUV or a large truck is my only option.
If you haul your loved ones on a regular basis then perhaps a minivan
will be a better option. Generally a good minivan is more fuel
efficient and safer than most trucks and SUV's currently on the market.
But, what do you do when you need a few sheets of drywall of plywood from
Home depot?
You may consider renting a truck, van or pickup. Home depot will
often allow you to rent a delivery van and even deliver for you at a fee
that is much lower that your monthly expense for that truck you "use"
occasionally.
But, I already have an SUV and I'm am stuck on its lease, buying even a
new fuel efficient automobile is a financial impossibility. What should I
do?
Take the time to do a basic accounting exercise for the sake of your
finances. Consider these factors:
- The going price for a reliable and fuel efficient USED small car.
- The going price for a reliable and fuel efficient NEW small car.
- The current market value for your SUV.
- Your current fuel and maintenance costs. Add any existing lease or loan
payments. Please note that the average fuel prices will continue
to rise and most experts agree this is a trend we better get used to.
- Your current impact on the environment (any online "carbon
calculator" will be helpful in this exercise).
Now, if your calculations still do not offer a glimpse of hope then you
may wish do to any of the following:
- Minimize the use of your SUV for commuting to work.
- Use public transit whenever possible.
- Carpool with your co-workers.
- Work from home (whenever possible).
- Ride a bike (if possible).
- Keep performing the above calculation until the scenario looks more
positive to let your SUV go.
Isn't forcing people to downsize a form of socialism contrary to our way
of life and the freedoms that we were given?
Perhaps, but in the absence of any viable alternatives we may need to
examine the results and consequences of our "way of life".
Each of us has the obligation to perform an honest examination of our
conscience and determine where we can improve things, starting with what we
consume and how.
It is amazing what a single good example can achieve. Maybe it can
start with... YOU.
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