What steps could we take to make suburban living more environmentally friendly?

We all know that most suburbs are very dependent upon cars. You have to drive to get anywhere: to shop, go to school or work, to church, etc. Many suburbs have no sidewalks, so you can’t walk anywhere. Many suburbs have no wide shoulders on the roads so that bicyclists can feel safe. The fertilizer runoff from farms and suburban lawns destroying fishing grounds. Huge houses; three car garages; long commutes; the whole nine yards.

Some people are moving back to cities. Others are moving even farther away. Two and three hour (each way) commutes are no longer uncommon. Some suburbs are built in such a way that getting to know your neighbor is a difficult task. It’s hard to build community. There’s no there there (King of Prussia, PA).

What would encourage folks to either: 1) abandon suburban living for more energy efficient city living; or 2) make suburban living a lot more efficient?