What green changes would you be willing to make at Obama's request?

The other morning while we were reading the paper, my husband asked me a hypothetical question. "What would you give up for the betterment of the country if Obama requested it? What if, after much consultation and research, he laid out a whole bunch of things we needed to do to lessen our impact on the climate, and requested that we do as much as we can." So we started making a list:

• Leave the cars parked two days a week.

• Eat meat only once or twice per week, or give it up entirely.

• Greatly reduce both computer and TV time.

• Use fewer lights. Maybe this means our entire family is in the same room more often (eek).

• Vigilantly save our money (give up eating out, dry cleaning, magazine subscriptions, etc.) to invest in an energy efficient heating system, water heater and better appliances.

Mind you, this is purely hypothetical and probably not likely to happen (Obama's request, that is). But as I look at this list, it strikes me that these are things we could be doing without a presidential mandate. But, ugh. They are hard changes to make. Real effort and sacrifice would be required. At least that's how it would be at the get-go. But after awhile, wouldn't they just become habit? Part of our natural lifestyle? Kind of how composting is for my family now?

Every once in awhile I read an article about a family that has gone car-free, relying on bikes, public transport, feet and car-sharing to get around. They claim that after awhile you don't even miss the car. You just incorporate new routines into your life. You plan ahead. Plus you save a boatload of money. My mom gave up her company car a few weeks ago and has been using Portland's excellent bus system to get around. Yes, she lives in an urban area with grocery stores, the library and other amenities within easy walking distance, but she's on the bus most days and loving it. (Though she'll have to buy a car for her new job soon.) I have to believe that my family -- most families -- would adapt to any of these sacrifices. They just need to be willing to try it.

So what will it take? My examples might sound extreme to some of you who are brand-new to green living, but I've been at it a little longer. What are some things you would be willing to change if our President-elect requested it (assuming that you respect him and believe in his reasoning)? Even the smallest change could make a difference. What would it be? Or, maybe my first question should be: If our government did issue 'environmental guidelines' -- you know, kind of like the food pyramid -- would you follow them?