Even while we profess to care deeply about the climate changing, Americans don't seem to be raring to change their lifestyles much - especially when there's a long weekend at stake. Over 37 million people will take trips during the three-day Memorial Weekend of more than 50 miles. Those numbers are up from last year - high gas prices be damned. Nobody wants to be stuck at home on the first official weekend of summer, but people, please: spare a thought for your ecological impact.

If only we had more efficient cars - like this ethanol-powered, 6,786 mpg French eco-car - or, you know, more intelligent federal efficiency standards. Speaking of, the Sierra Club dropped a lawsuit on the Bush Administration this week, arguing that its recently announced Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards are illegal; the Club also put its miles-per-gallon calculator online, so those playing along at home can see just how badly they're getting screwed by higher gas prices. 40mpg.org has had a similar calculator running for some time now.

Of course, you can always try and offset those miles, just like Al Gore did with that little climate-change slideshow he made. On the other hand, how about using this weekend to dust off the ol' bicycle? Me, I'm going to stay home and nerd out on green roofing. Anything to stay clear of those 37 million road hogs...

[Photo credit: MSNBC.com]