I recently read an article detailing the savings of right turns. UPS estimates saving three million gallons of fuel last year by providing their drivers with right-turn routes.
The article got me thinking. At first I remembered a news article from my youth in NW Ohio about a man stopped by our local sheriff deputy who claimed to be driving around the United States by only making right turns on orders from the Lord. While this does not seem like a way to save gas, it was also 30+ years ago when the price of gasoline was not an obstacle to seeing the USA in the auto of your choosing.
Upon returning to present-day Missoula after a detour to my childhood, my thoughts turned to ways of examining everyday practices to make a difference. I believe by taking small steps to chance our routine we can make major changes. I first started this process by turning of my computer at the end of the workday. Then I began turning off my office light while attending meetings, and taking the bus to work several days a week. Small changes to my routine which over the course of a year will add up to real savings in electricity and fuel.
Kermit the Frog argues it is not easy being green, but I would have to disagree. As we celebrate Earth Day let us think of the ‘right turns’ we can take to make a better world for all.
