The real question is, what produces the least pollution per mile driven? Even more to the point, which gives the least pollution per mile taking into account the pollution released refining the fuel and getting it to the pump. Not as simple as the mpg gauge we have on our dash boards is it? Wish it were...

Regards,
rcomeau

 

This is true, it is not as simple as I wish either.

Several years ago an air quality expert analyzed how much pollution is caused by transporting Priuses from Japan to Long Beach. IIRC, it impacted the cars' emissions footprint by a surprisingly large amount.

I have heard that one of the simplest things a person can do is to try and buy things made nearby. Apparently transportation of goods uses tremendous resources. I recall seeing something about how millions of gallons of water are shipped all over because so many of us think that drinking from a (possibly toxic) plastic bottle is better than getting it from the tap in our home or office or gym. People in Missouri buy water from Colorado while the people in Colorado are buying water from Missouri. Wierd.

Call me crazy, but that's one reason I bought FEH. Kansas City to my town is only about 600 miles over land.