Reply #20: How else could we cut down on consumption?

[Dr Morbius]

Lots of ways, few popular.

Increase the gas tax, and put the additional funds raised into public transit.

Tax disposable plastic bags and containers. This should encourage environmentally friendly packaging.

Reduce speeds across the nation to a maximum of 60 (from 65). This may reduce the national gas and diesel consumption by two or three percent. Two or three percent doesn't sound like much, but that's nearly half of what we get from the middle east.

Reduce speeds in urban areas to 45. It will take many people longer to get to work, but this will save more than reducing the national speed limit (as much more driving is done in urban areas). Implementing these last two should eliminate the need for Saudi oil entirely.

Go green. Renewable energy from wind and solar and hydro and thermal. Yeah, it's an obvious one but I am Rear Admiral Obvious after all.

Pass a law that all electronic items, from DVDs to televisions to computers, use almost no power when switched off and are as efficient as possible. This will reduce the need for electricity.