A tinge of green: Nothing wrong with call to use less fossil fuel and to conserve

Few of us want to be told we have to -- and even fewer want to pay a penalty to make the other choice -- but like it or not, the idea that perhaps Americans could consume less energy is not a bad one.

By keeping a closer eye on our energy usage and thinking a bit before we waste another tank of gas, we are making a decision that -- in the long run -- will benefit our country and our pocketbooks.

There is no question that the U.S. dependence on foreign oil has interfered with everything from international relations to the flow of traffic on our nation's highways.

So, why not carpool once a week or walk instead of ride whenever possible? Why not consider using public transportation once in a while? Thinking before we consume is a good way to get a handle on some of the concerns that are putting an economic crunch on many U.S. families.

And then there is conservation. Is it really that hard to sort out recyclables? The more we recycle, the less we have to put into landfills. And it is not just the environment it benefits -- landfills cost money, too, and bills like this are paid by taxpayers.

So while many of us are certainly tired of all the hype about global warming and other dire predictions of a doomsday tomorrow from some environmental activists, that does not mean that we should ignore their good ideas.

And limiting gas usage as well as taking the time to recycle are worth considering -- as long as the government stays out of both.

Published in Editorials on April 1, 2010 11:01 AM