These days everyone is talking about about gas prices and carbon emissions - and with good reason. As fuel prices continue to climb, consumers are buying smaller and lighter-weight vehicles to lower their fuel consumption, as well as their total carbon footprint. But a car's footprint isn't just limited to what comes out of its tailpipe. To understand the TRUE impact, consumers also must measure the energy and emissions that go into producing and recycling the materials that shape today's vehicles. Did you know that some lighter-weight cars made with alternative materials actually INCREASE the total greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the air? How is that possible? The energy consumed and GHGs emitted from producing and reusing some alternative materials can actually offset the lower emissions realised through fuel-efficiencies. When evaluated using Life Cycle Assement, steel emerges as the greener material choice for vehicle production.