Do you remember a few years ago when celebrities began jumping on a “green” car bandwagon? Everyday I would hear who the latest one was to be seen driving a hybrid electric car, most commonly a Prius. Back in 2005, Jay Leno (host of the Tonight Show) purchased the first Lithium I- Cell Zero- Emissions Vehicle. Yet he wasn’t just helping to set another eco-green fad amongst celebrities. He was becoming a pioneer in an environmental movement that would change the shape of the future. Leno has always had an interest in alternative fuel vehicles. Back in 2002 he test drove BMW’s dual fuel 750hl hydrogen car, one of the first of its kind.[1]He also owns classic “green” cars from the early 1900’s. The 1909 Baker Electric is a milestone in Leno’s famous car collection. It can deliver up to 110 miles on a single charge.[2]In fact most of the renewable alternatives to petroleum spoken about so frequently in the car industry today are “throwbacks” to the golden error of automobiles. Whether it is hydrogen, electric, ethanol, bio-diesel, or natural gas, all of these technologies can be traced back to roots in the early to mid 1800’s. (see technologies section)

Throughout history there have been an endless number of ‘trends’ and ‘fads’ that disappeared over time. Many people are easily influenced by pop culture and therefore they jump on “the bandwagon”. Whether it is a current political movement that can change the shape of the future, a sports team that is winning, or merely the newest type of music or dance, we have all been persuaded at one time or another to “join in” on something. Most of the time celebrities are the ones who set the trends. The public lives vicariously through the image of celebrities by imitating them. People dress how they dress, speak how they speak, and sometimes even drive what they drive because of the desire- to live the ‘lifestyle of the rich and famous’. We as consumers have a responsibility to make sure that the recent “comeback” of green autos is not the “comeback” of bell bottoms in the 90’s. These vehicles must be around for a long time in order to have a true effect on the environment. We have to make sure that the recent ‘trend’ towards hybrid-electric vehicles is not just a ‘fad’. We shouldn’t buy a Toyota Prius because Leonardo Di’ Caprio, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, and a countless number of other ‘tree hugging’ celebrities own one.[1] Instead we should buy one with our own intentions in mind. If you are serious about purchasing a green auto for sincere reasons then you will make a ‘fad’ everlasting and turn a ‘trend’ into a tradition![2][1]http://car-reviews.automobile.com/news/jay-leno-buys-first-lithium-i-cell-zero-emissions-vehicle/1144/

Last update : 04-05-2008 22:42

Average user rating

   (0 vote)