There is news that Toyota’s sales have dropped dramatically since the cost of gas in the U.S. plunged from about $4.00/gallon to less than $1.70 in many regions. According to a report I heard, Prius sales fell especially hard. The same report noted that during the same period, while small fuel-efficient cars were going unsold on car lots, sales of large U.S.-brand trucks were increasing. The commentator said, not without a mixture of wonder and satisfaction, that Americans don’t like small cars and that, with gas again affordable, they don’t need to buy small cars.

Two weeks ago, an elderly couple returned to the neighborhood for their annual winter visit. I didn’t notice their car or any house lights, but I did see a sprinkler spitting out water on the front lawn. (This time of year, most lawns around here are greenish-brownish thanks to a chronic water shortage, the dry season and once-a-week watering restrictions.) They’ve been sprinkling ever since.

While industry gets hammered with accusations of environmental irresponsibility – and some companies deserve the hammering – and individuals urge more regulations and restrictions on companies, the consumer drives environmental conditions. Lower gas prices are welcome to anyone with a budget. Big cars are usually cushier than small ones. Green lawns are prettier than brown ones. We consumers choose, and we need to admit responsibility for the results.