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Discussion Forum

Unit 4 Discussion: "Let's Go Shopping!"

Years ago, friends of mine befriended their cranky old next door neighbor. They helped with her yard and groceries and snow removal. They took time to sit on her porch and shared meals. She wasn't always the best company, but they knew she was lonely and needed help, so they just did what they could as good neighbors. They never met any of her family. Eventually, Louise died. In her will, she left everything to my friends! This had never been discussed or even considered. Well, now my friends live in a beautiful place on the Maine shore! Point is, sometimes it pays to be nicer than necessary. (Actually, it always pays, just in different ways.) Anyway, I like the idea of  just being nicer than necessary and thought this story would be a fun way to set up the next discussion.

So, let's pretend through life's good graces you just ended up with a pile of cash, but Louise made a stipulation...you have to use it to buy a vehicle that is practical and kind to the environment. And you have one year to spend it.

Of all the vehicles and technologies discussed in this unit, what would you pick? Remember, it has to be practical. Think about the size of your family, your driving patterns (how far, how often), the availability of fuel. And it has to be good for the environment. Consider fuel source, emissions, mileage.

And you need to buy it in a year. Pick a real car.

In your posting, give the details of your chosen vehicle (include price and availability). Tell us why it is a practical choice for you. Tell us how it is good for the environment. Tell us where and how you will get fuel. Tell us other options you considered.

In addition to the resources used in this unit (including the Fuel Economy Guide Model Year 2016 [1]), here's a site you may find helpful Alternative Fuel Station Locater [1]

Please define and explain any acronyms or abbreviations you use (GHG = greenhouse gas) and wherever possible include links to your references. Any questions, just let me know!

Post your work in the Discussion, "Let's Go Shopping." You'll find it in Canvas, in the Unit 4 module. Please follow full instructions there.

Read the postings of others and respond to at least one. Follow up on any postings made to your comment.

Please see CANVAS calendar for due date of your FIRST posting and date when discussion ends (graded participation ends, all replies must be in).

Grading criteria

You will be graded on the quality of your participation. Be interesting and interested! Please see Syllabus for full Discussion grading criteria.


Source URL: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee401/content/p9_p9.html

Links
[1] http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2000.htm