Help the earth, win me a dishwasher!

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

I don't specifically agree with your view on the hydrogen-powered cars but I have no issue with the rest of your points.  Different sources have different opinions on the 'big' issues more often than not, and alternative fuel sources are quite the hot topic these days.  As for the Tesla Roadster it's a really cool car design and functionality-wise, but a 2 cent per mile cost is not something I think is going to fly with big business.  We've seen businesses squelch technology before that they didn't think we were ready for -- primarily because they had yet to fully exhaust the potential of its predecessor -- so I will be very surprised indeed (though happy) if products like the Roadster see mass production soon.  Also, the base purchase price of $98,000 is rather high, but when you consider the sheer savings (provided the car doesn't have regular performance and breakdown issues) in the long run it's more than worth it. 

[Anarcho]

I'm sorry i started this debate and haven't participated.  I've been a bit busy, but the good news is (for those of you who care) we won the contest!  Or at least we got the most pledges.  I guess they have a panel of judges that review the entries and pick the winners. Unfortunately, we were shooting for second place which was the dishwasher.  Or even third place, which is a $500 gift certificate to a book store.  First place is a "home makeover" by some company called "Clutterbusters"...but it sounds like they just come and clean your house.  That sounds fine, but i'd rather have a dishwasher. 

Either way, thank you to everyone who signed up.   I do appreciate the support.  I'm also glad this sparked a wider discussion about environmental issues.  I'm not a big environmentalist or anything, but I am concerned about how our actions and lifestyles have dramatically increased global warming, to the point of impending ecological disaster (see shrinking antarctic ice sheet). 

Personally, I feel like I can't stop China from building pollution-spewing factories or from my neighbors driving around in SUVs, but i can sign some forms to stop credit companies from sending me junkmail, I can ride my bike to work rather than drive, and I engage my online friends in a discussion about the environment.  Stuff like that.  Even if we are all doomed.

Thanks again,

Logan

[shbaz]

As for the Tesla Roadster it's a really cool car design and functionality-wise, but a 2 cent per mile cost is not something I think is going to fly with big business.  We've seen businesses squelch technology before that they didn't think we were ready for -- primarily because they had yet to fully exhaust the potential of its predecessor -- so I will be very surprised indeed (though happy) if products like the Roadster see mass production soon.

Yeah right, kind of like how GM, Ford, and Chrysler decided that they weren't going to let those little gas saving Japanese cars take the market.

Again, it isn't big business that's the problem, its economics.  The fact that the mass consumer makes economic, not environmental, choices.