The impact of standing is of the same nature. It will also get people to buy cars more often, and very often more expensive and bigger vehicles than needed. The trend towards SUVs for the sake of standing is the perfect example of the effect that a purchase based on standing, while not needed by the vast majority, has on the environment.
I can't help but think about friends that I used to go skiing with when we were in our early twenties. We all drove cars back then. Then, about 10 years ago some of them started buying SUVs. When I asked those guys why they decided to go from cars to trucks, they said well... winter... it's practical... it's roomy... I couldn't help but reply: Well, there is no more snow now than then... they make cars with all-wheel drive... or if you need space, minivans seem to be better... But the most amazing argument came from a guy that prides himself on being rational, has a post-doctorate in chemistry and can act superior towards people that he sees as irrational. So this guy told me that he bought himself a big SUV for the occasions when he would go and get stuff at the hardware store or a piece of furniture. And how often can that happen in a year did I ask him. Well, 2 or 3 times a year he answered. Has he never heard about delivery services?
That's the kind of thing that standing will get us to say.
We often try to rationalize our illogical acts with all sorts of reasons. That's why car salesmen will help you in making those decisions with many predetermined reasons that will come in handy if someone ever asks you: Why this purchase? That's why I consider online car shopping a positive way to diminish emotional decisions when the time comes to make a choice. I see it as a way to protect ourselves against our own weaknesses and the lure of the salespeople's temptations.
The green cars
This long introduction about the reasons that push us to make our particular buying choices, after having tried to put in perspective our driving behaviour, will hopefully help us realize the impact that we do have on the environment. Is it possible that the way we drive or what we drive amplifies or lessens our effect on the planet?
If someone buys a fuel efficient car but drives it like a nut, he will burn as much or even more gas than someone who drives a big vehicle reasonably, notwithstanding the danger that he or she will represent to others. If someone doesn't properly maintain the vehicle he or she drives, it will use more gas, pollute more and emit more green gases, sometimes up to life threatening levels to the passengers. Finally, if someone drives a gas guzzler, he will pollute more and emit more green gases, whatever anti-pollution system it may be equipped with.
Hybrid Cars
After having been made aware of these criteria on my personal choice of vehicle, I decided 3 years ago to seriously consider a hybrid vehicle. It was a long and complex procedure. First, when I heard about these types of vehicles, it was through a negative report from a car commentator, but then I heard an opposite comment from a different one on another channel. Not knowing where to stand, I decided to visit a Honda, then a Toyota dealer, but the exercise was in vain. None of those cars could be found on their lots, so after about ten visits, I started to find the situation ridiculous. How could I be persuaded to buy one if I couldn't find any?