A Roundabout Way to Curb Climate Change
One of the frankly scary aspects of living in Scotland was driving on the “wrong” side of the road. Scots are actually pretty good drivers, but then again, they have to be because the roads are crazy-narrow and pretty rutty and there’s always cars parked on the side of the road. Always. And did I mention they drive on the wrong side?
Well, another large difference is the prominence of roundabouts (aka “traffic circles”). Though they can be fairly intimidating, especially when they’re at really large intersections, overall I really appreciated roundabouts for their efficiency in both time and energy.
Take, for example, the fact that on a normal Sunday morning I could drive the 2 miles to the church without stopping at all, and surely without stopping at any traffic lights. This made the journey go quickly, but also saved gas.
Since we know that by far the biggest gas consumption occurs when getting your car going from a dead stop–exactly what traffic lights are all about enforcing–roundabouts save energy. I had no idea how much, however, until a recent article in Time.
By reading “You Want a Revolution” an article by Tim Padgett in last weeks Time I learned that roundabout cut hydrocarbon emissions at intersections by as much as 42%. The article “By the numbers” teaser also says, “Ten roundabouts in Virginia save 200,000 gallons of gas a year” (by less idling).
And not only are roundabouts an energy saver, they ease traffic delays by as much as 65% and cause fewer and less severe accidents (because cars more more slowly than through traffic lights, and they don’t drive at right angles).
The article suggests we may be seeing more roundabouts in the US in the coming years. It’s around about time, I’d say.
Any help out there?
Sure, sometimes I’ll play along in a conversation pretending I know more about a certain topic than I really do. It’s just polite. For instance, if a conversation is humming and a name is dropped, “you know, like _____,” sometimes it’s just best to smile and nod and not break up the lilt of the discussion if you generally get the idea. Well, Megan and I are road-tripping it next week, and to commune with the great outdoors (and save money) we’ll be camping at a few spots along the way.
Now I really like the idea of camping. I love nature. Cooking simply is fun. Chatting round a campfire is heavenly. But I’m not a huge fan of bugs, or dirt, or getting soaked while sleeping. Add in the fact that neither Megan nor I have camped for, say, 15 years, and we may have some fun stories. [My previous camping experiences include getting soaked in a tropical storm, having more sand join me in the tent than out while camping on a windy beach, and getting mauled by a rabid teething bear in heat (ok, I made one of those up.)]
So I’d love to hear any advice from more seasoned campers out there. I haven’t done big internet research, so I’d even enjoy being alerted to some camping websites.
Quite sensibly, I thought, I just set up our tent in the living room for practice. Get this: I didn’t even need the instructions! (Well, I also couldn’t find them until it was already up so I didn’t have much choice.)
We got it from Target as a wedding gift–or from friends from Target–and this will be its first trip. It ended up being much bigger than I expected but that’s great, I guess. I fit in it length and width-wise, which is handy for a 6’3”er. It also has a “shoe pocket” to hold dirty shoes in limbo between the tent door and inside floor which I’m totally cool with. (The Scouts always say cleanliness is a virtue.)
Location, Location, Location
Our first night we’ll be camping after picking a friend up in VA, so we’re thinking somewhere in Eastern KY. Greenbo Lake State Park looks like a good option, but I’m up for suggestions. ($14 for site sounds pretty spiffy, but should we pay the extra cash for a non primative site so we have power??)
Looks like we’ll also need to stay in eastern or central SD for a night. Ideas?
We may camp some in North Dakota with or about Megan’s family, but then we’re off to Aspen, Colorado to see my brother. Does anybody know of any good sites in Aspen–I know there’s millions, but a personal recommendation is always best? Should we go public or private? Better to stay a ways out of Aspen or stay close in?
Gear
Then there’s the exciting possibilities of buying gadgetry. We’re thinking about this stove/grill from
REI. Bueno?
And we’ll need another camping chair…
And mats for sleeping…
And perhaps a lantern if we’re thinking big…
Ok, so I’m off to buy a new atlas and batteries for our flashlights and a plastic ice freeze dealio thingy for the cooler. Please don’t hesitate to offer advice–I can build a campfire, but not without the help of several handfulls of pine needles and a generous supply of matches. I’m sure the trip will bring many laughs, but I think I’d best not just smile and nod in preparation.
The voices in my head
A conversation I have with myself. Often.
Adam 1: Man, it’ll be great to get back to Decatur and buy that new car. The final choice and smart compromise of the 2009 Subaru Forester is dead brilliant.
Adam 2: “Brilliant” you say? So what if the 2009 redesign is impressive and cheaper than the 2008, buying a new car is plain silly.
Adam 1: I agree, but this may be the only time in our lives when we’re in a position to do so. We need a solid car to last us years. And the 2009 Forester is just darn good. We’re going to be a one car family. Get off my back.
Adam 2: Good…and big. Did you see that honker fill up that parking space yesterday?
Adam 1: Funny you say that, because a Honda Accord is actually 1.6 inches wider. The Forester also has a higher driving position which makes it both fun to drive and safe to see stuff. Oh, and speaking of safe, All Wheel Drive comes standard on the Forester (and all Subarus).
Adam 2: Yeah, yeah, yeah. AWD. But the Civic gets gas mileage that would leave a Forester in the dust. Forester’s 20/26 mileage is pretty pidly.
Adam 1: If by “pidly” you mean “best in its class.” Owners report getting low 30s when driven smartly. And our manual transmission will definitely make that easy. Try finding a manual in a CR-V.
Adam 2: Just think of gas prices.
Adam 1: Just think of the environment. Our PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Engine) is the cleanest engine around. It scores 9.5 out of 10 in government ratings. It puts out so few particulates that cause smog, that in Atlanta the air coming out of the tail pipe will actually be cleaner than the air around it.
Adam 2: Yeah, but it’s an “SUV.”
Adam 1: Nope, it’s a “crossover.” Or really, a hatchback if you think about it.
Adam 2: Buy a 2006 Civic for several thousand less.
Adam 1: You’ll feel squished in a Civic, and add used-Civic-bore to the rest of your life and folks will begin to fall asleep talking to you.
Adam 2: Well at least they’ll talk to you–SUV owning prick.
Adam 1: Well to those free thinking folks who’ll still chat to me, I’d be happy to drive them somewhere so that they can enjoy the lovely backseat legroom. Eat that Civic lover.
Adam 2: Sinner.
Adam 1: Always, but also a redeemed sinner driving a safe, environmentally conscious, fun, outdoorsy, roomy enough vehicle with bike rack and sun roof to enjoy God’s creation.
Adam 2: I’d rather walk.
Adam 1: Well, I may pass you my bike, which I use as transportation as well. Oh, and did I say we’re going carbon neutral.
Adam 2: Weirdo Japanese-driving tree lover.
Adam 1: That’s my name, don’t wear it out.
Adam 3: So what are you guys talking about…
image by miamiamia
Since everyone has an opinion
When Megan and I return to the states in July, we’ll need to buy a few things to get us settled in again: new stamps, groceries, sunscreen, and…a, oh yeah, a car. See we sold both of our cars before we left for our year abroad.
I’ve been researching for what seems like forever and narrowed it down to two (well, basically–I took the Jetta TDI out since it may not start well in very cold weather, and the Civic is a fantastic car, but a bit wee, and Megan just doesn’t we don’t think the Prius fits our style).
So let’s pretend we’re choosing between the CR-V and Accord. We’re going to be a one car family so we need the vehicle to be reliable – both are. We need something safe, big enough for car pools, and fun to drive is always nice – both got it. So here’s my thoughts…
CR-V: Everyone I know who has one loves it. Great room everywhere, especially the back – that’d be real handy for our bikes. It’s crazy safe. And, hey, it’s much cooler than I am. The main problem is ethical. It gets the best mileage in its class, better than most cars, but 20 city 30 hwy isn’t a hybrid. Then again, if we’re going to keep it 10+ years it’s upkeep costs are lower than the Accord. But would I be joining the ranks of an SUV owner (rather than a “crossover vehicle”)?
Accord: My previous car was an Accord and my experience was as most: great solid car. It’s not a looker, but it performs like none other. The bikes would be more of a problem, but the mileage would pay for the annoyingness of a rack. We’d get a manual, which the CR-V doesn’t offer. Dual AC is pretty spiffy. But would I be the boring predictable pastor?
So I’d be real interested in what folks had to say. Are we sinners if we get the CR-V? Is the classic styling of the Accord just too boring for my uber-boring personality?
To vote, go to this simple, straight-forward, bound-to-work poll here. If you vote “other” I’d love to know what “other” you have in mind.
(and if anyone knows how a better way for polls in posts in wordpress please let me know)
You think you have it bad…or good?
Sometimes Americans forget what it’s like in other countries. Take, for example, gas prices. Yes, I know, gas prices in America are setting some crazy records. (Though CNN’s headline yesterday was pretty silly: “$100 fill-ups arrive, $52 for a hybrid” What?! Gas for a hybrid costs the same as for another car, the tank is just smaller so it doesn’t take $100. Strange headline.) Anyways.
So I just wanted to remind Americans that Scotland – or the UK in general – has it worse. Big time. Actually, I heard a radio announcer making fun of all the American headlines and fuel complaints just this afternoon.
Here’s the facts:
- average cost per gallon in America today: $3.53
- cost per gallon in Scotland: $8.35
So to fill up that 25 gallon CNN headline tank in Scotland would cost $208.75
Though I’m not thrilled about the rising gas prices at home, I’m strangely heartened by them. As Bush himself said, “America is addicted to oil” and it will take very high gas prices to kick our addiction.
I’m a proponent of much higher gasoline taxes, and investing the profits in mass transportation and alternative fuels. Maybe when gas is $8 a gallon in the US we’ll learn to take public transport, car pool, ride a bike, or – Lord help us – think twice about making a long drive due to its ethics. This said, the flip side of our current situation is that high gas prices are hurting America’s poorest most, and I’m not cool with that.
image by cobalt123
Climate Change in the Church
On a British political talk show this week, a politician said, “I believe the threat of climate change is much worse than the threat of terrorism.” And what was unbelievable for this American shaped by the politics of fear: not one of the board of politicians from every party bothered to disagree. So what is your church doing to address climate change?
I’m proud to say that my church, First Presbyterian Church, Tallahassee has taken the pledge to go carbon neutral. I’ll share the steps they’re taking (pilfered from a recent church newsletter article) in the hope that our move might inspire other churches and organizations to do the same.
First, as part of a recent capital campaign, the church has pledged the funds to install solar panels (in shop talk that’s a ” photovoltaic electrical generating plant.”) In addition to saving energy, these panels will serve as a visible statement of environmental stewardship to the community.
But don’t think a church must purchase expensive solar panels to make a difference.
Second (or really, first in the actual order of completion), the church is replacing old windows with double-paned energy efficient windows. Window air-conditioners have been replaced with energy-efficient models, and light fixtures are being changed to fluorescent bulbs.
Third, the session is asking every council to come up with ideas that will decrease their environmental impact. Church meals will include more locally produced produce. And–get this–will become entirely vegetarian! (I’ll believe this when I see it, but it’s a good idea for the health of the planet, and for the health of individual church members.)
Fourth, the Session will purchase carbon offsets to lessen the environmental impact of the carbon-based energy still used despite the move towards efficiency. (Based on current usage, offsets will cost approximately $1000 per year, and should be covered by the money saved by other projects.)
Finally, the Session will emphasize carbon neutrality in all its stewardship, asking every member of the congregation to go carbon neutral. For more information on how you can go carbon neutral, see this Carbon Neutral Guide.
If the politicians of fear were to tackle climate change, they would say things like, “If we don’t act now, how will we explain to our grandchildren that our greediness destroyed the earth?” Or, “If we fail to act, climate change will murder millions.” Or “Not even America, the strongest nation in the world, is immune to the perils of climate change.” And the funny thing is, if they said that, they’d be right.
image by Rodolfo Clix
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