A recent letter to the editor spoke of the growing backlash against SUVs, citing the "anti-this, anti-that attackers" as characterizing SUV owners as "anti-environment." I agree with her conclusion that actions speak louder than words.

I use the term "hoot and holler environmentalist" for those the writer calls "arrogant, hypocritical complainers who only see beyond their own backyard." They protest nuclear power but live in above-average sized homes that use electricity generated from nuclear, coal, gas, etc. They rally against cutting redwood trees but build huge redwood decks. They rally against "big oil" and "corporate polluters" yet they drive an SUV - the number one, worst thing a consumer can do to the environment!

Based on the most defensible, scientific analysis of how consumers harm the environment (www.ucsusa.org/less/guide.top.html), the three main problems are (in order of magnitude): #1 transportation, #2 food production, and #3 buildings. We all need to get around, eat, and have a roof over our heads, but howwe choose to do these things makes an incredible difference. On the #1 impact (transportation), it's a fact that trucks, vans and SUVs are much less efficient and pollute more than passenger cars. This is because they're hauling around a whole lot more weight, they're taller and less aerodynamic, and they have less stringent emission requirements.

Our family of five has enjoyed many camping trips, ski trips, and trips through snow to get to work and school in our 4wd station wagon. It gets up to 30 mpg and meets the more stringent passenger car emission standards. I can't recall a single occasion where we needed to make an extra trip to town because it didn't have enough space. Compared to an SUV, it doesn't suffer from rollover, the stopping distance is shorter, and it handles far better on snow or ice.

In reality, your environmental impact has very little to do with whether you choose to own a coffee pot or a dog leash, but very much to do with how you choose to get yourself around on a daily basis.

This is the letter I responded to -

SUVs More Efficient Than You Think - October 26, 1999

"I notice a new gripe surfacing: Attacking those who own SUV's as gluttonous or people who don't care about the environment. I own a SUV, care about the environment, and am a 42-year resident of Nevada County who knows it to be a very steep, icy, snowy, rugged and muddy place. I enjoy working and playing outdoors. I grew up with grandparents who were organic gardeners recognized for 20 years of excellence in agriculture. They strongly advocated protecting Mother Earth locally and via numerous media interviews.

I bought my SUV for many reasons apparent to anyone who actually thinks: Most obviously, you get everything in one versus owning a car and truck), you have four- and two-wheel drive, trailering capabilities, seat four to six people (rather than driving more than one car), and great cargo space to avoid several car trips (plural). Previously I learned to drive quite well in snow in most situations without four-wheel drive; however, many inexperienced drivers scared the heck out of me. Often I chose to walk because chaining up was a hassle when necessary, but which otherwise only damaged the roads. Other times it was safest to find a ride from a 4WD owner.

Addressing SUV owners as anti-environment: Consider this: Is any part of your own home, cabinets, books, paper and/or furniture made of wood (trees)? Are any part of your own washer, dryer, computer, telephone, coffee pot, dog chain, or vehicle made of mined metals? Do you enjoy electricity produced by hydroelectric power (dams), nuclear power plants, or coal (mined)? Do you eat meat, wear leather shoes (animal)? Check your belongings for rubber, plastic, or other petroleum based products (fuel too). Shall I continue? Honestly, do you now consider yourself a glutton?

There is a lot of anti-this or -that going around. Actions (even secretive ones) speak louder than words. Arrogant hypocritical complainers who only see beyond their own backyard are terrible examples, destructive of both the social and earthly environment in which we live and merely breed further hatred. Clean up your own backyard before criticizing others."