Green Predictions for 2009: Natalie Portman, $5 Gas (and Collecting String?)

What\'s the Green Trend for 2009?

Most of you said that reusable water bottles would be hot in 2009.

More Green Trend Predictions:

\"Darning your old socks and collecting string.\"\r\n
—Laura Dominianni

\"Compost bins.\"\r\n
—Kevin Smith

\"The next trend will be \'responsible consumerism\' — not any single product option or choice, but a growing awareness that every decision we make has consequences (sometimes unintended).\"\r\n
—ironeyes

What Will Be the Defining Energy Source of the 21st Century?

\"Not one source but a mix of air (turbines), oil, solar and nuclear (overseas).\"\r\n
—jdaws

\"Fallacious assumption. There won\'t be ONE defining energy source in the 21st century. The 21st century will see the end of the energy mono-culture. Economically and environmentally viable \'energy carriers\' will be chosen to match each task. For example, the energy density of liquid fuels still excel in transportation applications.\"\r\n
—Cassandrus

\"Since we still have a lot of time left in the 21st century, I\'m going out on a limb to say that hydrogen will be the defining energy source. I\'m also holding out hopes for magnetism (think maglevs, and reduced friction waste in a variety of applications resulting in greater efficiency).\"\r\n
—ironeyes

\"I\'m hoping ocean wave energy will be more prominent, but I\'m sure wind will happen locally here in NE Ohio. The \'Carbon Cap\' will become a BIG THING!\"\r\n
—metatate

What\'s the Future of Gas Prices?

\"To remain low through spring and start rising again come summer.\"\r\n
—Emily A. Main

\"Annual average of $2- $2.50 per gallon.\"\r\n
—Jenny Steventon

\"Gas prices will soar once it is clear that we are not shopping this holiday season. We will be punished for this un-American, nonconsumeristic behavior.\"\r\n
—Laura Dominianni

\"The SUV (\"Symptom of Unsustainable Vanity\") culture will only die after a few more rounds of $4-$5 gallon gasoline.\"\r\n
—Cassandrus

Who or What Will Be the Changemakers for 2009?

\"The biggest hopes for changemakers aren\'t individuals, but corporations taking real steps toward sustainability and ultimately taking responsibility for their products\' life cycles. It won\'t happen unless the public demands it with increasing volume and frequency, but the tide is turning in that direction.\"\r\n
—ironeye

\"Mothers of small children.\"\r\n
—Peter Gibson

\"The \'Big Three.\'\"\r\n
—Laura Dominianni

\"States, counties and cities installing alternative energy systems and promoting green-collar jobs.\"\r\n
—bunelda

Who Will Be the Eco-Celebrity of 2009?

\"Sarah Palin\"\r\n
—Laura Dominianni

\"Willie Nelson and Natalie Portman\"\r\n
—Emily A. Main

\"In my dreams I see a coalition of celebrities urging American citizens to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.\"\r\n
—bunelda

What Else Will We Be Buzzing About in 2009?

\"Electric cars, green offices, alternative ag and CSA, green cleaning.\"\r\n
—Kevin Smith

\"Wall Street will continue to get its a#$ kicked and auto makers might break the damn unions. And maybe there will be some cool green vehicles that really are sustainable.\"\r\n
—gonestraw

\"Urban organic gardening — as in front lawns being turned into gardens and \'grassy\' areas being a thing of the past.\"\r\n
—aprilmae

\"Communal living, cave dwelling, all natural juice drinks and sports beverages in biodegradable containers laced with barbituates, \'Dude, slow down, use less energy.\'\"\r\n
—Laura Dominianni

\"Commercial composting sites increase dramatically. Diversion of organic municipal solid waste to composting, more compost-able disposable single-use products available and in use, higher recycling rates among consumers.\"\r\n
—James D. Webster

The Daily Green Staff Predictions

\"We\'ll find a place for all those canvas bags.\"\r\n
—The Daily Green

\"\'Go Local\' will be the 2009 refrain — for food, products, community, vacations ... and for economic recovery.\"\r\n
—Dan Shapley

\"In 2009 we\'ll toast with more organic and boxed wine. Cheers!\"\r\n
—Gloria Dawson

\"Green, formerly the new Black, will turn to Gold($), while Black becomes the\r\nnew White. (Oh, and more people will plant gardens.)\"\r\n
—Brian Clark Howard