Spring Break
The Daily OrangeEnvironmentally friendly cars not meant for college
By Hannah Warren
Posted: 4/9/09, 2:31 AM EST Section: Feature
The only problem with CNG technology is that it hasn't caught on everywhere, and owners of cars like the Civic GX have trouble finding places to refill in most areas of the country (like near my home, in Western Pennsylvania). For me, that nixed the GX, even after the EPA's recommendations.
Fortunately, the EPA also operates a web service that will spit out the most energy-efficient car for your location, transportation needs and desired green technology. According to the epa.gov, the highest rated cars for Pennsylvania were made my BMW, Volvo and Volkswagen. Not surprising, considering the enthusiasm for conservation overseas.
Before I lost hope for my future with a slick green car, I decided to check out what the EPA said about the hugely popular Toyota Prius. It was almost identical to the Honda Civic GX, except for the site's claim that it emits less greenhouse gas overall.
I, however, am skeptical about that. The Prius might emit less carbon dioxide when it runs, but only in certain conditions (like city driving, with lots of starts and stops). The battery technology has not been tested long-term or proven durable more than 100,000 miles; thousands of batteries could potentially end up in landfills.
It already takes a lot of energy and resources to manufacture new cars. Parts for the Prius are made all over the world - add the fuel it takes for the parts to reach manufacturing locations and the amount of energy that went into making them, and the picture isn't really so green after all.
In the end, the best option for the planet in my situation doesn't provide an escape from Baby Beluga. My parents were right to keep Baby Beluga running for as long as possible, because buying a new car before she quits causes unnecessary waste. Like my minivan, the enviro route isn't always so pretty, but I'm pretty sure I can roll with that.
Hannah Warren is a freshman magazine journalism major who loves oldies but goodies. Her column appears every other Thursday. She can be reached at hkwarren@syr.edu.
Fortunately, the EPA also operates a web service that will spit out the most energy-efficient car for your location, transportation needs and desired green technology. According to the epa.gov, the highest rated cars for Pennsylvania were made my BMW, Volvo and Volkswagen. Not surprising, considering the enthusiasm for conservation overseas.
Before I lost hope for my future with a slick green car, I decided to check out what the EPA said about the hugely popular Toyota Prius. It was almost identical to the Honda Civic GX, except for the site's claim that it emits less greenhouse gas overall.
I, however, am skeptical about that. The Prius might emit less carbon dioxide when it runs, but only in certain conditions (like city driving, with lots of starts and stops). The battery technology has not been tested long-term or proven durable more than 100,000 miles; thousands of batteries could potentially end up in landfills.
It already takes a lot of energy and resources to manufacture new cars. Parts for the Prius are made all over the world - add the fuel it takes for the parts to reach manufacturing locations and the amount of energy that went into making them, and the picture isn't really so green after all.
In the end, the best option for the planet in my situation doesn't provide an escape from Baby Beluga. My parents were right to keep Baby Beluga running for as long as possible, because buying a new car before she quits causes unnecessary waste. Like my minivan, the enviro route isn't always so pretty, but I'm pretty sure I can roll with that.
Hannah Warren is a freshman magazine journalism major who loves oldies but goodies. Her column appears every other Thursday. She can be reached at hkwarren@syr.edu.
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