1.
an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.
2.
Sociology . a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence. Compare social evolution
(source: Collin's English Dictionary)
Nations, people, Cultures, countries, music, art, architecture all have it in common. It is a major motif seen, heard, felt, and shouted and it has been the drive that changes our world.
It's also the drive that has influenced... the drive.
(credit to john h. ehrenfeld, a sustainability champion)
Scientists, policy makers and potential political leaders are all facing a huge (and possibly one of the most important) environmental problem involving increased CO2 as well as the lowering of air quality in our urban areas.
Its 2007, and the Hummer just came out. Big cars is the american way with huge luxurious mini vans and heavy duty trucks that use enough gasoline its in your best interest to purchase your own oil refinery. Big cars are here to stay.
one year later...In the summer of 2008 the monstrous rise in gas prices at more than 130 dollars a barrel sees America in turmoil. I couldn't help myself. Anywho, everyone is trying to sell back that big car they bought just last year. Carmax is filling up their parking lots faster than a Led Zeppelin Reunion Concert and everyone and their great aunt Matilda is buying smaller cars.
Enter our hero!
The Toyota Prius!
In light of the changing world a revolution has occurred in the design technology of cars. Sustainability itself has grown into its own market with homes and energy production receiving the same treatment, but with the car the design is revolutionary.
The car design has been altered to fit a more sustainable way of life in many ways. It was specifically designed to have a high fuel efficiency (at around 50 mpg, 74 on highway according to some tests) which is achieved in the design of its hybrid engine, that half runs on a rechargeable battery, its unique air flow design of the car (much like those used in airplanes), which allows less drag from the air, as well as its lighter materials. The doors of the Prius close with a curious metal clang due to the change in materials from other cars. Eco-plastics have also become a very large part of the design of this car. They are materials that are derived from plants, which replace the oil based products used in other cars (1). All of these attributes make the Prius an object of design that is undergoing and representing revolution. It is an ever changing product meant to assist in our environment and represents a deeper ideal. That ideal is essentially the care of the earth for future generations. I know your probably saying, Alex, dude, its just a car give it a rest. But who knows what else will be made out of eco-plastics in the future? I find this car to represent an ideal in the revolution in how people go about living and the decisions they make, based on if they are caring for the earth or just hanging out.
cited source for some of the more specific information.
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