Conspicuous conservation

What you drive says something about you, right? Some economists in the US have been looking into 'conspicuous conservation' and the Toyota Prius. The 'Freakonomics' guys have a neat summary.

Could some people be indulging in a kind of lapel-wearing conspicuous conservation that is a little out of control and crowds out initiatives that are 'less sexy' but better, in terms of overall objectives? Expensive solar panels on the sides of buildings versus cheaper roof/wall insulation measures in buildings is an interesting example. The solar panels make a statement that adding extra inches of loft insulation don't. And in the auto industry, encourage hybrids or get more people into conventional smaller engined cars? Something to discuss, besides the Royal Wedding, down the pub...  

Freakonomics: Saving the environment, or just showing off?

For those who want to read more on this...