It is a testimony to our strength of spirit that we embrace a new frugality forced upon us by the economy [April 27]. But will this renunciation of excess continue beyond the current crisis? Look how quickly sales of big trucks and SUVs rebounded once gas prices dropped. Smaller, greener vehicles were so much more attractive when our pocketbooks were under attack. Similarly, McMansions have gobbled up farmland-and now we're stuck with them for decades to come. Let's hope that when the world economy recovers, the monster vehicles will remain on scrap heaps, builders won't build monstrosities and people won't forget their enthusiasm for the simpler, purer life.
展开▼
