April 2008: Going green has gotten easier

Green is no longer just one of several hues in which a vehicle is available, but a lifestyle choice. Automotive sites now have dedicated green sections helping consumers select vehicles match their needs for fuel efficiency, environmental impact, body style and budget.

As with any social cause, conversations among people are what push budding ideas into the mainstream. Digital environments have become the main forum those conversations. Being active within the Green movement has never been easier.

If an ideal digital tool to go green exists, it is social networking. Drivers who are looking to lower their carbon footprint or just save some money on gas have access to a number of networking tools popping up online to help the cause.

Have you played the automaker brand association game? Someone says the name of a manufacturer and you respond with the one word that is most closely identified with it. Volvo = Safety. BMW = Performance. And Toyota? Easy. Quality, right?

The Ford Model T, which was invented in 1908, got 25 miles to the gallon, whereas in 2004 the average car got only 20.8 miles per gallon.