Slowing down may help us cool down

Edward M. Hallowell, in his critique of America’s “crazybusy” approach to life (Opinion, March 31), suggests that one reason we speed through our lives is avoidance of pain: “Being crazybusy leaves no time to worry about ... global warming, AIDS, the nuclear threat, terrorism and other Big Horrible Problems I Can’t Do Anything About.”

Interestingly, Americans’ ceaseless rush is doing something about one of the largest of these problems, global warming. We could reduce fuel costs, accidents, energy imports and the emissions of global-warming carbon dioxide from cars by simply slowing down a little and exercising a light foot when pressing the accelerator. Drivers of gas-guzzling pickups and SUVs will save the most money by practicing a more environmentally conscious style of driving.

GREGORY WRIGHT

Sherman Oaks