Maybe, maybe not, you decide. I recently was sent an editorial that had been sent to a friend of his by another friend, so apparently, it is making the rounds in the "it's Friday and I am tired of working" crowd, anyway. The article, entitled "Prius Outdoes Hummer in Environmental Damage," by Chris Demorro, a staff writer at The Recorder, a Central Connecticut State University paper makes a pretty audacious claim. Is it true? Please help me out on this one.
According to the article, the nickel mining and smelting in Sudbury, Ontario for hybrid batteries is causing extreme environmental damage to surrounding area, i.e. acid rain, etc. and thus leading to it being a "dead zone." Non only this, but then the nickel goes on a sightseeing trip around the globe before ending up in our shiny new, "environmentally friendly" Toyota Prius.
The article also discusses the incorrect data regarding MPG that road tests show for the Prius when taken to speeds above 55 mph. Also suggested in the article that the Prius is only driven to 100,000 miles, instead of the Hummer's average, 300,000 and that it takes 5 years for the average driver to start saving on gas with their hybrid. It ends by suggesting that the Chevy Aveo or Scion xB is a better choice for environment.
Do any of you, who are so well versed on environmental impact issues, know if these claims hold some validity or if this is just propaganda from GM/Big Oil industry? I would suspect it is the latter, but can't be sure. I think the answer here is vitally important.
Worth a diary? I suspect many will say no, but for those on the fence, or who may have important information to impart on this subject, please add your comments below. Heck, even if you think this diary stinks, go ahead and leave your mark as well.