Carectomy week in review

The green car is a myth

We at Carectomy have become fond of the expression that “the greenest car is the one you don't drive.” Tom Konrad referred to us in his article for AltEnergy Stocks when he stated, “A carectomy is better than a better car.” Eco-Chick pointed out that the smartest car is ctill worse than the dumbest bike. And the country of Norway went so far as to proclaim it illegal for car manufacturers to use the words “green,” clean,” or “environmentally friendly” in any car advertisements.

DIY Electric Car asks, and answers, the questions: Are super-efficient or alternative-fuel cars eco-friendly? Can a car be green?

Walking tours provide context

The best way to experience any travel destination isn't behind the glass of an air-conditioned tour bus: it's on foot, moving slowly, with your eyes, ears, and nose taking in the essence of the place.

That's the idea behind Context Travel, a company that compares its tours to small seminars in a liberal arts college classroom.

Trendsetting Japanese teens choose iPods over cars

While Stateside suburban soccer moms may still be plowing down narrow streets with their wide-berth S.U.V.s, a new generation of Japanese have deemed the car superfluous. The Wall Street Journal reports that many young Japanese have decided not to use a car because it’s just not necessary.

Proof that “San Jose hates pedestrians”

San José hates pedestrians -- at least, according to a web site by the same name. The site offers photographic evidence of its slogan: “San José: where cars matter more than people.”