My emotions are fluttering between rage and resigned laughter as I watch the onslaught of news reports from the eminent failure of BP’s oil work in the Gulf Coast. I don’t really know how to respond to this catastrophe. Here’s the best I can come up with. What if, for as long as it takes BP to find a solution to stop the flow of oil, or until the cleanup is complete…what if we find subtle ways to reduce our personal oil leak. Maybe ask questions like “Could I bike or walk to where I am going rather than drive?” or “Can I run the fans rather than the air conditioner?” The only way to reduce the flow of oil and its consequences for the environment is to reduce our demand for the stuff.

Now, if someone can tell me how to get clear across Wichita (approx. 20 miles) with two kids this hour, without burning a gallon of gas, let me know.