When it comes to most polarizing issues, those on the extreme edges of the spectrum often feel that any proposed solution is a compromised half-measure. Hybrids could be fully electric; nuclear could be solar or windpower; most kinds of recycling are just stopovers on the way to the landfill. Indeed, more often than not I find myself on this side of the argument, clamouring for a more complete answer to the problem. But when you take a step back and look at the big picture, it is progress. And we, the resentful environmentalists (or anarchists, or whatever-ists…this applies to everything) end up heaping guilt on those who are at least trying to improve. Too frequently when trying to make something perfect, you forget that where you are now is actually pretty good. And trying to make something good into something perfect takes a hell of a lot more effort than trying to make something bad into something a lot better.

Maybe instead of more practical electric cars, we need more practical electric lawnmowers. A standard 2-stroke push mower puts out more hydrocarbon emissions in 7 hours than a modern car does in 160,000 km.