Great ideas. Americans are more near-term realistic than anyone gives us credit for. Or you could say that is one of the major criticisms of Americans. Thus you might be surprised at how quickly some of your suggestions become possible as gasoline and natural gas prices continue to rise. The TV ideas are almost trivially simple as there is little bureaucratic inertia to overcome. Business resistance will die off (ha) quickly once people are talking about how they can't pay their bills and businesses that focus on frivilous goods start to drop off. Yes, this does mean I view pro-active solutions as a non-starter, but I don't think that is the end of the world. There is so much energy used (wasted) by this culture that adds nothing to it that can be removed without long term pain.

Given our level of individualism we're as competitive as anyone, which will make demand side solutions easier. What I mean is this: transitioning the competitive spirit from "he with the most toys wins" to "he with the smallest eco footprint wins" will be easier than people think. We're burned out as we have nothing left to give to the work-all-day consume-all-night lifestyle: it has reached its zenith and can only go into decline. We desperately want something different but most don't dare try it (or even think it) until it's socially "safe" to do so. People like you/us need to lead the way to provide the example and social safety. I really believe this by the way - at least on nights when I'm not wearing my "end is nigh" t-shirt.

you are the media you consume.