According to a recent article in The New York Times, the problem with suburbs, many environmentalists say, is not an issue of light bulbs. In the end, the very things that make suburban life attractive - the lush lawns, spacious houses and three-car garages - also disproportionally contribute to global warming. Suburban life, these environmentalists argue, is simply not sustainable."

Most suburbanites depend on their cars, thus producing more carbon emissions. By contrast, the average New York City resident contributes 7.1 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year, according to statistics compiled for the city government. That's compared with 24.5 metric tons for the average U.S. resident.