A ‘Starbucks Effect’ on traffic...that's rich.
According to this article by the Washington Post, some researchers believe that increased trips to specialty coffee shops like Starbucks have resulted in a cumulative increase in traffic congestion, fuel consumption and air pollution. This claim is, however, disputed by other experts claiming that, though traffic congestion may be on the increase at certain times and locations, air pollution and gas consumption are probably no more significantly affected than with the numerous fast-food restaurants that have been around for decades.
Props: WorldMag
Alan E. Pisarski, author of "Commuting in America," said that although McGuckin's findings are noteworthy, he doubts that coffee-and-bagel-seeking commuters are running up much extra mileage. Most people don't have to drive far out of their way for coffee, he said, and their engines probably remain warm enough during those relatively brief stops to prevent high-polluting "cold starts" -- the engine ignitions at the beginning of trips that produce the dirtiest exhaust.My solution? Get a good espresso maker, quality coffee and make your own. To me, it's not so much the commuting problems, it's the outrageous prices you have to pay for the stuff when you get there.
Props: WorldMag
Labels: David C. Price
posted by DAVID C. PRICE at 4/18/2005 11:50:00 AM
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