<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for For problems like air pollution from cars, it’s often a tiny number of actors doing the bulk of the]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by Bart Anderson http://www.grist.org/article/alls-well-thats-gladwell/ Sat, 18 Feb 2006 08:27:25 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/alls-well-thats-gladwell/1 another interpretation

I'm not sure how well the "power law" would work for the problems that most interest me -- peak oil and climate change. Energy use is too widespread and too tempting.  

Perhaps a different way of applying the "power law" is in order -- instead of identifying problem INDIVIDUALs, why not focus on problem HABITS?

For example, the personal automobile and cheap air flights are the big offenders.  Eliminating or reducing these habits would go a long way in solving peak oil and climate change.

Far more important than whether you choose plastic or paper bags at the checkout counter.

]]> another interpretation

I'm not sure how well the "power law" would work for the problems that most interest me -- peak oil and climate change. Energy use is too widespread and too tempting.  

Perhaps a different way of applying the "power law" is in order -- instead of identifying problem INDIVIDUALs, why not focus on problem HABITS?

For example, the personal automobile and cheap air flights are the big offenders.  Eliminating or reducing these habits would go a long way in solving peak oil and climate change.

Far more important than whether you choose plastic or paper bags at the checkout counter.

]]> Comment #2 by jdhlax http://www.grist.org/article/alls-well-thats-gladwell/ Sat, 18 Feb 2006 09:16:56 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/alls-well-thats-gladwell/2 Bad Analysis

This analysis doesn't work for driving.  Air pollution is only one of several environmental problems caused by driving.  What about destruction of ecosystems from oil drilling & refining, and building roads?  Those problems are caused by all drivers, not just ones with more polluting cars.

And bring your own bags to the checkout counter!  Needless consumption of bags, and other containers (buy in bulk where possible) is another bad habit.

Jeff Hoffman

]]> Bad Analysis

This analysis doesn't work for driving.  Air pollution is only one of several environmental problems caused by driving.  What about destruction of ecosystems from oil drilling & refining, and building roads?  Those problems are caused by all drivers, not just ones with more polluting cars.

And bring your own bags to the checkout counter!  Needless consumption of bags, and other containers (buy in bulk where possible) is another bad habit.

Jeff Hoffman

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