Short answer: no.

Long answer: the SUV craze of the late 90's and early 21st century came into play from the perspective that they were safer and more practical.  Even though they presented other challenges that made them more likely to get into an accident, they are considered "more metal" to have around you and are therefore seen as safer by many drivers.

The convenience factor is obvious.  Families are able to fit more easily in them.  Transporting 5 or more people is much more comfortable than in a car, truck, and sometimes even a minivan.  This is why, in high volume areas, Honda dealers in Los Angeles and Orange County Toyota dealers are still able to do will in the market.

All of that makes it sound like the dropping gas prices will rejuvinate the failing market.  There are two factors that will prevent it from happening.

1. Those who traded in their SUVs for fuel-efficient vehicles can't trust the drop in gas prices.  They are low now, but how long will it last?
2. Manufacturers learned their lesson and have cut production across the board of these vehicles.  Lower production means higher demand, which means higher prices, which means more people will lean towards more affordable vehicles, especially with the state of the economy.

Those who have kept their SUVs will continue to keep their SUVs.

Gas prices may have been the catalyst that started the reduction of SUVs on the road, but lowering prices will not change it back.  With the environment becoming more of a mainstream issue that touches us all, people started feeling good about their decisions.  Even if it was the prices of gas that pulled them our of their SUVs, they still felt like they were making the right decision for the environment as well.

Regardless of what gets people thinking about the environment, it's always difficult to stop thinking about it.  Once it's embedded in a person's thoughts, their actions and decisions are normally effected forever.

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Read more about Gas Prices and the Environment on this blog.

The title says it all.  As consumers, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to support companies who do the right thing.  There are some that try to be carbon-neutral, others that donate to causes, and then there are those who hold a special place in my heart.

I love companies who plant trees.

It is by far the easiest way for a company to improve the environment now and into the future.  Trees are dying.  They are being cut down, burned, and otherwise removed from existence faster than they can reproduce.  It goes beyond the obvious eco-stability issues of animal habitat and oxygen production.  Trees are our most recognizable symbol of nature.

There was an article posted today on WeHeartWorld that discusses 10 of the companies who plant trees.  Please check them out, support them any way you can, but most importantly, buy their products.  It's more than just the trees planted because of your purchase.  By supporting these initiatives, we are telling the rest of the corporate world that it's the right thing to do and they should all be doing it.

Here are a few of the companies listed in the article:

• Connectivity: IOGEAR

With their “Road to a Million Trees” campaign in partnership with Trees for the Future, IOGEAR will plant a tree for every product sold on IOGEAR.com or through an IOGEAR GREEN initiative partner, with a goal of planting one million trees.  There is no additional cost associated with this program - if you buy one of their products, assume that an oak or cedar somewhere in the world will have your name figuratively on it.

• Maternity T-Shirt: UnButtonedMaternity

Plant a Tree Mommy - Pure T wants to build a forest: with the purchase of this Tee one tree will be planted.  The Tee itself is 100% organic supima cotton that uses eco-friendly vegetable dyes and a non-toxic printing process. “We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.”

• Surfboards: Loose Fit Surf Shop

Loose Fit Surf Shop in North Devon, UK, is the first “carbon zero” surf shop.  Their Surf and Trees Campaign helped them earn this.  Surfers are known for their eco-friendly ways.  It’s amazing that only one shop has made headlines by stepping up in this arena.

Check them out and enjoy!  Also, read more environmental blog posts here.

There are new green blogs popping up left and right.  It is a topic that brings passions and convictions to the keyboards and screens of a growing segment of the blogging population.

Two new blogs have popped up that seem to have what it takes to make it in this competitive arena.  It's not really about competition -- it's about getting the word out, of course -- but there is always a need to be heard when we spend our time researching, writing, and socializing online.

The first is WebEcoist, a combined effort from the guys at WebUrbanist.  With their trackrecord of putting out amazing blogs and promoting them through social media sites, this one definitely stands a chance to be successful.

The second is WeHeartWorld.  While it is currently limited in content, it promises to "make things happen" in the eco-friendly blogosphere with cutting commentary and wonderful insights.

Another blog, Environmental News Online, has been greatly neglected over the last few months, but an infusion of talent gives hope that it can return to its previous glory.

In the meantime, we will continue to read favorites such as EcoGeek and CleanTechnica. Don't forget to support your Greenpeace!