Overconsumption is now the norm

As the price of gasoline approaches $4 a gallon, the common refrain is that these prices are outrageous and the government should do something about it. Many legislators voice their agreement. I, too, agree that the price of driving is high. And maybe government should do something about it.

Maybe what they should do is something that we can do for ourselves without their intervention: stress that conservation should be part of the solution. Conservation means that people would choose to drive less and thus use less gas.

This would require that we consolidate errands, make fewer discretionary trips and share rides. It would require that we explore public transportation routes and schedules. It would require that we walk the distances that our grandparents used to walk.

Overconsumption is such a natural part of our daily lives that we don’t recognize it as such anymore. As the “green” concern takes root in more people’s consciousness, more people will develop an awareness of what is “enough” and what is “more than enough.” Gas prices are only the tip of the iceberg.

Jean Ives

Glen Ellyn