Going Green, Going Gasless

Are electric vehicles the answer to high gas prices?

I have no definitive proof that electric vehicles would be the answer to high gas prices but I don't think they are the complete answer. What I do know, however, is that the more demand there is for a product, the higher the price will be. Simple economics teaches that the price of a product will rise as demand for it goes up. The way to reduce the price of gasoline is to change our behavior.

Electric cars would be one solution since they are gas efficient, but it's only a partial solution. In the United States, we are accustomed to abundance and instant gratification. Until and unless people exercise responsibility in their choices, things will continue in the same direction. This doesn't only apply to the cost of gasoline.

Responsibility, behavior modification and sensitivity to how our actions affect the greater good are the answer to high gas prices as well as most of the ills that affect our world today. People have been trampled underfoot at WalMart because shoppers were so focused on acquiring a DVD player; the fact that they were trampling on someone didn't seem to matter. The end is worth the means. The same thing happens at ball games and rock concerts.

If material possessions and games are more important to consumers than the people around them, how can we expect these same people to be considerate of our natural resources or the global economy? The current mindset precludes caring about the effects of our actions. Whatever we want, we can have whatever the cost.

The answer to higher gas prices is to alter our behavior and change the choices we make. Driving a more efficient car is a good start, but efficiency often requires giving up glamour, space and power. Drive less. Car pool. Take the bus. Walk. There are many answers, but are the right people asking the question? The people who care about consumption issues are already doing what they can. Those who don't care won't change their behavior unless the high cost of gas forces them to.

In my opinion, the answer to higher gas prices is: Higher gas prices. Americans won't care about it until it's worth its weight in gold. Only then will they drive smaller cars, take the bus when feasible and, yes, even put on a pair of sneakers and walk.

Our behavior as consumers reflects what kind of people we are. What does your behavior say about you?