Is an environmental motor club a contradiction in terms?

Mitch, President of Better World Club answers your question..

Our most asked question is: why would you start an auto club aimed at environmentalists? Isn't that a conflict? A contradiction in terms? An oxymoron? (See, we've been asked this question a lot.)

Now, you might respond by thinking: this question must be asked by people who live on the moon (or France) because isn't it obvious to anyone who lives here in these United States that you can't live without a car (certain Manhattanites-who shouldn't be permitted to own a car, much less drive one--excepted). A friend of mine was on the Board of Directors of Greenpeace and is a very principled person (OK, compared to me). He and his wife owned 2 cars-including a Jeep.

In fact, let's do a study of the leaders of the Environmentalist movement and find out what cars they drive. Come on environmentalists; share your cars with us. Todd, CEO/Chairman of Better World will step forward first and announce that his family has 2 cars-including an SUV...although he's considering a hybrid. I drive a '92 Infiniti convertible.

The point here is not to say that environmentalists don't walk the talk (although I'm sure we'd all admit to not doing everything we should). Rather, the fact is that we have to drive cars because, American mass transit being what it is, it's impossible not to.

The further point is that there are millions of people in this country who will do the "right" thing if it's convenient to do so and the price is right. That's where business comes in. It's our responsibility at Better World to give people services that recognize the pollution that they generate and make it convenient for it to be prevented or cleaned up. If business doesn't accept this challenge, then it just means the auto and oil companies (and their customers: us) are being subsidized to spew out the pollution by not having to clean it up.

The environment gets ruined, future generations suffer…well, you get it.

At Better World, we're trying to make it easier for you to reduce your environmental footprint. That's why it's not a paradox.

OK, any other questions?

(Is there any other alternative, see "Cold Turkey"?)

Comments or Opinions? Send email

Top of Page