What's New in 2012

Here it is, almost three weeks into the new year and I finally get back to posting.  My goal for 2012 is to try and be more consistent in my posting.  At the same time, I decided to try and focus on a few major themes for my posts:

• DIY - reporting on projects I've completed, including what went well and what didn't; targets for 2012 include a report on the green shed roof, square foot gardening and hopefully a rain barrel or two
• Policy - reviews of major political policy in the US that have a significant impact on the environment; expect info on Keystone XL, energy subsidies, military research and transportation/infrastructure
• News & Gadgets - quick hits on articles of green interest; expect this to include advances in renewable energy, products for the home, and green gadgets

We'll start the year with News & Gadgets!

Grist has a review of research that compared average trip mileage with the standard range of electric vehicles (EV) on the market today (about 40 miles is typical).  The data suggests that the majority of single trips that Americans take in their cars is within the range of a standard EV.  An interesting finding that seems to highlight the major perception issue of EVs, which is that their short range makes them impractical for most drivers.

This should be good news for the car companies as they expand the range of EVs.  There is still much work to be done in terms of the charging infrastructure (where, electricity source, cost), and of teaching Americans where EVs make the most sense.  In a rural area similar to the one I live in, an EV is likely impractical depending on how far out in the country one lives.  In big cities, where charging infrastructure can be installed quickly and vehicle emissions can cause pollution issues, EVs are a more practical solution.

As usual, there is no silver bullet that can cure all our environmental problems in one quick hit.  But, by reviewing our specific needs and selecting appropriate solutions using data rather than fear or inertia to drive our choices, we can begin to reshape our energy, transportation and infrastructure to reduce the impact on the world around us.  The latest new green thing may not work for you or be what you need - but that idea that "everybody" makes fun of could be just what you've been looking for.  So keep looking and keep trying - change may come slowly at first, but it adds up over time.