I'm keeping up with all the posts, reading between what housework I should be doing.
I'm already on the 2 Subway to Wall Street by 6:05, probably already walking into the building by then, actually. Too bad, though, would love to pick up a Metro or AM New York with you. (you do pick one of them up, don't you?)
Pacanis, didn't mean to put words in your mouth, just embellished what you said. I was fairly certain I had the gist of what you meant. Don't you think it's possible that as the world changes (global warming, depletion of resources, overpopulation, ozone tears) we'll invent ways to succeed? Isn't necessity still the mother of invention? Isn't is possible (and I think it's probable) that as consumers eschew some products or services, they'll show favour towards others, either that already exist or are newly created? And cannot these newer purchases, for wont of a better word, be more user [earth] friendly?
People who work a 4 day week may not necessarily be using less gas during the week, but saving gas isn't the only reason to cut a week to 4 days from 5. The building or certain floors can be turned off an extra day. While they may consume more kilowatts during those extra two hours, it won't amount to the same as a full day. It takes a certain amount of energy to heat or cool a place from a dead start, like morning. But, if you just leave the stuff running and especially slowing down during those extra hours, it will require less energy than a dead start. It's cheaper to close a place for three days straight than to keep it open two extra hours a day. Most people never leave on time, anyway...but rarely do people come in on the weekend.