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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Observation about "going Green."
I want to start off by saying I am a huge fan of going green, and I sincerely hope it brings a long term change & more alternatives. I also believe that change starts at home.
Now, having said that, I noticed that several times on the threads about going green, there have been attacks on SUV's. I agree that they are gas-guzzlers, but they are not the only offenders.
The reality is that Big-rigs, airplanes, helicopters, etc use exponentially more fuel than consumer-use SUV's. I am a fan of carpooling and using public transportation, but the technology needs to change for these methods of transport as well.
In addition, there are more consumer-use vehicles that are not fuel efficient. Mini-vans, sports cars and jeeps are also gas-guzzling offenders. For example, the Ford Mustang gets only 17/24 MPG. My Truck gets the same. The Odyssey also gets 17/25 MPG. The Jeep only gets 12.
Just my two cents......
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Posted 1/14/08 11:53 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I agree....and would LOVE to drive a hybrid car...but why are they sio darn expensive?? If they would lower the price of them and make them more affordable, i think many people would make the switch.
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:24 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I agree with you. although I would never drive a big SUV like an expedition, navigator, etc. we are thinking about getting a smaller one.
I do everything possible to be "green." And we barely use our car, we have only one car, we both take the train to work. We do a lot of work on our house and need a car thats big enough for our trips to home depot and lowes. I think there needs to be a balance. Its almost impossible for the "regular" people like us, with limited funds to be completely green. So we have to pick our battles.
We use CF bulbs, keep our heat on low, bought all energy star appliances, got resuable containers for food, lunch,drinks, recycle everything we can, don't leave lights on, use the reusable bags at the supermarket. In other words, we really, really try, and we drive the most fuel efficient car that is practical for our lifestyle.
I have to admit though, I don't understand why most people would need a huge SUV like a navigator, expedition, etc.
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:41 PM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I need a large vehicle. While I would love a prius I couldnt fit the kids in it. I need a minivan or a larger SUV with room for 7. While I wish it were different I am one of the ones who needs it 
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:49 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
The current hybrids are more expensive b/c they are so new & for the first few years the consumer pays for Research & Development. I too would love a hybrid, but also I drive on the parkway a lot and it would not benefit me as much as someone who drives locally or in stop & go traffic.
I drive a truck too. And DH has his work truck. My point is not that SUV's are the enemy or anything. It just seems that people in general (IRL, in the media, etc) attack SUV drivers but really, as a PP said some of us need a bigger vehichle, but does someone need a sports car?(and yes, I had sports cars too back "in the day") or how about private jets & helicopters? Just another angle I am trying to explore
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| Posted 1/14/08 12:55 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by KPtoys
I need a large vehicle. While I would love a prius I couldnt fit the kids in it. I need a minivan or a larger SUV with room for 7. While I wish it were different I am one of the ones who needs it
I ask this because I am totally ignorant and have no kids--if I have 2 kids (for a total of a family of 4), am I going to need a truck or SUV? I know you have the 3, but I always just assumed that we would be able to get by with a medium-sized car for 2 kids, as my parents did when my brother and I were growing up. We made costco runs and had stollers but managed to fit everything in the trunk of a mid-sized car.
I ask only because I genuinely don't know what I am in for if I have 2 kids
Message edited 1/14/2008 1:23:41 PM.
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:20 PM |
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Waste06
Waste not, want not
Member since 6/06 7219 total posts
Name:
Lois Mom Mommy Mama Ma
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I have a Pathfinder, and while the gas mileage isn't great, I only have to fill up once every 2 weeks.
I have a short commute to work, and on the weekends we take my DH's.
So sometimes I feel  when people bash SUV's and fuel efficiency, since I'm and SUV-owner. But then again, there are people who drive 20-30 miles one way to work and use way more gas than I do.
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:26 PM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
i agree that SUVs aren't the only "enemy" to the environment. there are plenty of smaller cars that use more gas than SUVs... a lot of the smaller sports cars, etc.
i am one of those who drives an sUV and people probably look at my like" why does she need one?" because i don't have any kids yet, etc. BUT... its a small SUV ( toyota RAV4) and it gets the same gas mileage as a lot of cars ( 24 MPG in town). i also have literally a one mile commute to work, so i only fill up once every 2 weeks usually. i am only 5 foot tall, and i just feel better being up slightly higher than a car ( i learned to drive in my dads big trucks and my moms huge conversion van- LOL). i also live in north west NJ- out towards the poconos and we get a lot more snow here than other places, so the 4 wheel drive is pretty necessary.
i just think sometimes people judge SUV drivers without knowing the whole story
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:34 PM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by KPtoys
I need a large vehicle. While I would love a prius I couldnt fit the kids in it. I need a minivan or a larger SUV with room for 7. While I wish it were different I am one of the ones who needs it
I ask this because I am totally ignorant and have no kids--if I have 2 kids (for a total of a family of 4), am I going to need a truck or SUV? I know you have the 3, but I always just assumed that we would be able to get by with a medium-sized car for 2 kids, as my parents did when my brother and I were growing up. We made costco runs and had stollers but managed to fit everything in the trunk of a mid-sized car.
I ask only because I genuinely don't know what I am in for if I have 2 kids
I had a Passat with Emma. It was perfect. My lease was up so I went for the bigger SUV type car (freshly pregnant). if my lease was not up I would have kept the Passat. I totally could have done it. The SUV gave me wiggle room with strollers, packages and extra features that I wanted like navi. I could also fit someone other than DH (AKA my mom) in the car. In the Passat with the 2 car seats I have (Britax Marathons) nothing else would have fit. Now with my MDX I have 3 seats in the back. The only reason they fit is because Lukie is rear facing. When his seat has to be turned around the bases of all 3 is not going to fit in my car I could put Emma in the back in the 3rd row but that means less room in the back for strollers, groceries, etc. Keep in mind back in the day car seats were just becoming mandatory and they weren't as big as they are today, my double stroller is HUGE... as time has gone on thing have grown
I was actually looking last night for a car.suv.minivan that would be both economical in the gas area and relatively cheap that would be big enough for us... doesn't exist
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:35 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I agree, very valid points.
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:36 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by ml110
i agree that SUVs aren't the only "enemy" to the environment. there are plenty of smaller cars that use more gas than SUVs... a lot of the smaller sports cars, etc.
i am one of those who drives an sUV and people probably look at my like" why does she need one?" because i don't have any kids yet, etc. BUT... its a small SUV ( toyota RAV4) and it gets the same gas mileage as a lot of cars ( 24 MPG in town). i also have literally a one mile commute to work, so i only fill up once every 2 weeks usually. i am only 5 foot tall, and i just feel better being up slightly higher than a car ( i learned to drive in my dads big trucks and my moms huge conversion van- LOL). i also live in north west NJ- out towards the poconos and we get a lot more snow here than other places, so the 4 wheel drive is pretty necessary.
i just think sometimes people judge SUV drivers without knowing the whole story
Right, this is exactly what I am talking about. And I consider myself a pretty green person, but I do feel  when the SUV conversation comes up. I do think that some people have them for fad and not for utility though. Like my neighbor's 17 year old son with a Hummer. It is for fashion for him. KWIM?
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:39 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by KPtoys
I need a large vehicle. While I would love a prius I couldnt fit the kids in it. I need a minivan or a larger SUV with room for 7. While I wish it were different I am one of the ones who needs it
I ask this because I am totally ignorant and have no kids--if I have 2 kids (for a total of a family of 4), am I going to need a truck or SUV? I know you have the 3, but I always just assumed that we would be able to get by with a medium-sized car for 2 kids, as my parents did when my brother and I were growing up. We made costco runs and had stollers but managed to fit everything in the trunk of a mid-sized car.
I ask only because I genuinely don't know what I am in for if I have 2 kids
We have a PT Cruiser, with 2 very large carseats. We have no problems fitting them in the car, but very little room for anything else. We can't fit anyone else in the car, so when my mom comes over to visit, and we go out to dinner, we take two cars.
Our next "car" will have 3 rows, and be much bigger. Since we won't need two vehicles for routine visits and stuff, an SUV or minivan may save quite a bit more gas than our current car.
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| Posted 1/14/08 1:52 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
I agree. My small SUV consums less gas than older vehicles or my old crown victoria with a V8 engine. It's also cleaner on emission than some older sedans.
I love the convenience of my small SUV but realistically I will have to upgrade to a bigger one if we have a 2nd child. Especially due to the stroller. There is a difference between have "babies" and "kids". There is so much gear to bring with a baby or 2 or them. I could see downgrading when they are bigger and just have a sedan. But again, there is vacations, sport gears, etc. I also have a HUGE massage table to haul around.
OUR version of green is no chemicals for our lawn. Do people who claim to be "green" have an impeccable green lawn with no weeds? I am sure some do but here on LI.... almost everyone is a lawn "freak". That's being part of being green too.
Message edited 1/14/2008 2:46:11 PM.
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| Posted 1/14/08 2:43 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by ml110
i agree that SUVs aren't the only "enemy" to the environment. there are plenty of smaller cars that use more gas than SUVs... a lot of the smaller sports cars, etc.
i am one of those who drives an sUV and people probably look at my like" why does she need one?" because i don't have any kids yet, etc. BUT... its a small SUV ( toyota RAV4) and it gets the same gas mileage as a lot of cars ( 24 MPG in town). i also have literally a one mile commute to work, so i only fill up once every 2 weeks usually. i am only 5 foot tall, and i just feel better being up slightly higher than a car ( i learned to drive in my dads big trucks and my moms huge conversion van- LOL). i also live in north west NJ- out towards the poconos and we get a lot more snow here than other places, so the 4 wheel drive is pretty necessary.
i just think sometimes people judge SUV drivers without knowing the whole story
Right, this is exactly what I am talking about. And I consider myself a pretty green person, but I do feel when the SUV conversation comes up. I do think that some people have them for fad and not for utility though. Like my neighbor's 17 year old son with a Hummer. It is for fashion for him. KWIM?
This was the response in the last thread from one of the "greener" members of the board..
Posted by xyz
Why does the "Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't I?" or "Other people do much worse things than I do." argument always enter into these conversations?
It's not about turning the attention outward. It's about taking stock of the individual first, and what YOU are doing or not doing.
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| Posted 1/14/08 3:45 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by nov04libride
This was the response in the last thread from one of the "greener" members of the board..
Posted by xyz
Why does the "Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't I?" or "Other people do much worse things than I do." argument always enter into these conversations?
It's not about turning the attention outward. It's about taking stock of the individual first, and what YOU are doing or not doing.
hmm, I think my point was that although SUVs are notorious gas guzzlers, I think there are other things that are just as detrimental that do not get the same attention, negative or not. smld mentioned her Crown Vic. My mom had this car and got such low milage, and now owns a Rav4 & gets unbelievably good gas milage. I think my point is that it sometimes the SUV can be an improvement from the current situation.
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| Posted 1/14/08 3:48 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by nov04libride
This was the response in the last thread from one of the "greener" members of the board..
Posted by xyz
Why does the "Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't I?" or "Other people do much worse things than I do." argument always enter into these conversations?
It's not about turning the attention outward. It's about taking stock of the individual first, and what YOU are doing or not doing.
hmm, I think my point was that although SUVs are notorious gas guzzlers, I think there are other things that are just as detrimental that do not get the same attention, negative or not. smld mentioned her Crown Vic. My mom had this car and got such low milage, and now owns a Rav4 & gets unbelievably good gas milage. I think my point is that it sometimes the SUV can be an improvement from the current situation.
You're totally right--everyone should be cognizant of the gas milage when shopping for any car or SUV, or when shopping for a helicopter or plane.
Message edited 1/14/2008 4:01:23 PM.
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| Posted 1/14/08 4:00 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by nov04libride
[
You're totally right--everyone should be cognizant of the gas milage when shopping for any car or SUV, or when shopping for a helicopter or plane.
That is right.
And I hope everyone keeps that in mind when they are in the market for their new helicopter and plane.
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| Posted 1/14/08 4:09 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
Thru the rabbit hole!
Member since 7/06 4412 total posts
Name:
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
While I agree that there are worse things than SUVs, it's about doing whatever YOU can to be 'greener'. Some people need an SUV. Some don't. It's not my place to judge who needs one vs. who doesn't.
I have a MINI which I bought in order to do something 'greener'. I love it, I get 39mpg in general.
Is it a 'perfect' car for me? NO WAY, it makes it harder to do certain things because I can't fit everything I need to in it sometimes, but that's my sacrifice I made, just as other people make whatever sacrifice they can make. I leave the water on when I brush my teeth, I’m not the perfect ‘greeny’ or anything.
Each person knows deep down if they're doing the right thing or not, if you need an SUV, go for it.
…But as a non-suv owner, I DO have a pet peeve. I work right by a railroad station. I do not really slow down over the tracks in my Mini (I mean, it's just a little bumpy), why does the Hummer, Bronco, Pathfinder, (insert SUV) in front of me need to slam on their brakes?? I don’t even slow down – I mean, that’s what an SUV is for isn’t it?? Going over bumpy terrain? I am pretty sure the suspension can handle it… Is it just 'habit'? Do they have hot open coffee in their hands? Are they shaving? Applying makeup? Performing surgery? I want to know
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| Posted 1/14/08 4:15 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by KittyTheStray
…But as a non-suv owner, I DO have a pet peeve. I work right by a railroad station. I do not really slow down over the tracks in my Mini (I mean, it's just a little bumpy), why does the Hummer, Bronco, Pathfinder, (insert SUV) in front of me need to slam on their brakes?? I don’t even slow down – I mean, that’s what an SUV is for isn’t it?? Going over bumpy terrain? I am pretty sure the suspension can handle it… Is it just 'habit'? Do they have hot open coffee in their hands? Are they shaving? Applying makeup? Performing surgery? I want to know
I never slow down over speed bumps, potholes, RR tracks, etc when I'm in my pickup truck.... 
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| Posted 1/14/08 4:20 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by MsMBV
Posted by nov04libride
This was the response in the last thread from one of the "greener" members of the board..
Posted by xyz
Why does the "Everyone else does it, so why shouldn't I?" or "Other people do much worse things than I do." argument always enter into these conversations?
It's not about turning the attention outward. It's about taking stock of the individual first, and what YOU are doing or not doing.
hmm, I think my point was that although SUVs are notorious gas guzzlers, I think there are other things that are just as detrimental that do not get the same attention, negative or not. smld mentioned her Crown Vic. My mom had this car and got such low milage, and now owns a Rav4 & gets unbelievably good gas milage. I think my point is that it sometimes the SUV can be an improvement from the current situation.
It gets more attention b/c its so much more known...and the SUV craze is not dying down while the hybrid craze is picking up.
Which lends to think " OK, people must not really NEED " these SUVS...and therefore its on the forefront of everyones minds.
Message edited 1/14/2008 4:40:52 PM.
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| Posted 1/14/08 4:40 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by nov04libride
[
You're totally right--everyone should be cognizant of the gas milage when shopping for any car or SUV, or when shopping for a helicopter or plane.
That is right.
And I hope everyone keeps that in mind when they are in the market for their new helicopter and plane.
I know this is a sarcastic comment, but I used to work near Republic Airport. You'd be surprised how many people fly for leisure. And boats too. Leisure boating is huge on LI.....
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| Posted 1/14/08 8:02 PM |
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itkocak
Member since 7/07 7639 total posts
Name:
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Message edited 11/15/2011 9:35:23 PM.
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| Posted 1/14/08 8:43 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Posted by imthekevinofcindyandkevin
Not directed at anyone in particular. So what's better? Several trips to get whatever you need because you can't fit everything in your car that gets better mileage or one trip in my SUV that can fit everything in one trip.
I'm not trying to pss anyone off. I'm asking a legitimate question.
Maybe hopes are they will buy less because they can't get it home. I know I have not purchased some things just because I knew it would not fit in my car.
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| Posted 1/14/08 8:46 PM |
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neenie
Member since 5/05 22351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
My issue with SUVs has more to do with the fact that a substantial number of people driving them SSSUCK! They're driving a car that's 10 times bigger than they need, while talking on their phones turning around to yell at their kids, and staring at their nav screen instead of the road. They drive on the middle of the white lines and then give you the "OOOPs, sorry" look when they almost run you off of the road b/c you were in (one of their many) blind spots. Yes, bad drivers exist in ALL types of cars, but i hate how much more dangerous they are in SUVs. And maybe it's a little selfish of me, but honestly, i care more about THAT, then their effect on the environment.
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| Posted 1/14/08 8:50 PM |
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Candy Girl
Candy girl- you are so sweet!
Member since 11/07 6349 total posts
Name:
erin
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Re: Observation about "going Green."
Just a funny (well, funny to me) story...
My friend is into luxury vehicles. She leased a fancy BMW sedan for three years. At the end of the lease, she became pregnant. When she was going to turn it in, I and some other friends asked what type of new BMW she was going to get. Her response was "Well, now that I am pregnant and going to start a family, I NEED an SUV."
No. You don't. Our parents bussed us around just fine in a beat up sedan. You WANT an SUV, and that's fine, but I can't take the NEED part.
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| Posted 1/14/08 8:54 PM |
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