SteveB/Colorado

Can Americans Really Cut Back on Consumption?

I think it may be easier than it sounds. I was raised in the '60s by parents who went through the great depression. Conservation of resources was a given in our household (I understand that may not be true for those born late in the baby boom and later). But it wasn't a "deprived childhood" either.

I have a small SUV as I go (legally) off highway occasionally to access some backcountry trailheads. I keep my highway speed to 65 or less; not an easy task living out here in the wide open spaces of the West. I cut back on miles driven in 2008 by about 4,000 from 2007. I recycle junk mail, newspaper, aluminum, cardboard, plastic bottles. Several churches in my neighborhood have recycle bins. I keep my thermostat at 62-64 by day; 56-58 at night; and open all my south facing window blinds for "free heat" during the day. I don't run an air conditioner in the summer, but have several ceiling fans.

I can go on and on. I think it's a case of those of us who believe in conservation, and in saving money from such practices, to lead by example in our communities.