Getting fat and going green

As many are starting to realize in government, we are a nation addicted to gas. We burn more than our proportionate share and have paid a lower price than the rest of the free world. Our government policies are tied to big business interests of oil and automobile companies. The current administration has finally backed off a little recently, in not thwarting legislative efforts aimed at higher fuel efficiencies. For years the outcry by environmentalists has stymied any new gas refineries from being built; so don’t complain about the supply chain problems as prices rise if there are shortages.

Americans joyfully indulged in excess the government has allowed. It seems that maybe the people are finally getting the idea if they don’t speak the politicians don’t listen to them, but the big companies with the political money, get heard. Maybe that is the message that is being manifested in the Obama presidential run? People want change. Interestingly it all starts with us individually.

While Santa Cruz works at recycling and has green building ordinances, their transportation system is still backwards. Santa Cruz is improving though by encouraging denser green building downtown, closer to bus lines, but we still do not have good bike lanes. Bicyclists may finally realize it is stupid to ride down Highway 1 as several recent fatal accidents attest. One would think riding on one of the parallel streets is much safer, and bike riding should be banned on the highway? Maybe the city will enforce a no biking on Mission Street ( Highway 1) in Santa Cruz ,and require cyclists to use the legal rules of the road for their own safety? Sometimes tragedy and hardship engender positive developments. While biking is one way to be green, more efficient transportation, building and purchasing choices are all part of the efforts to be more efficient. If people are not willing to pay for the greener alternatives, cost will dictate change. If you are looking for a green or solar home contact me a http://www.propertyinsantacruz.com and I’ll help you find an efficient home. With Santa Cruz real estate being expensive, any ways to cut long term costs is helpful.

I feel that the high oil and gas prices are a good thing. Without the catalyst of the 70’s did the American auto manufacturers start working on more efficient cars with better quality. The Japanese kicked their buts and we Americans bought their superior products. The problem wasn’t really just the American worker, as we were told. Many of the Japanese car companies have their factories here and often the quality is highest at American factories, not overseas plants. The leadership was the problem, as is the case now.

The Reagan administration cancelled the governments’ efforts towards alternative fuels back in the 80’s. Now we are sort of where we were 30 years ago. Back then it was more of a big oil squeeze for more money in my opinion, whereas now there is much more middle-east unrest coupled with increasing world demand. So what are we to do? We have increasing waist lines, debt and car sizes. Isn’t it time for a diet in all areas? Maybe the rising energy costs will fuel an increasing appetite for green energy and building? Solar will be one of the hottest growth fields that is pretty much ready to go now. Santa Cruz has solar open houses for the public to come and see what has been done, which is kind of cool and educational. With the increasing need for solar workers, many displaced construction workers may start finding work in the Solar industry. More on that later.

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