I think the best methods are not to be left up to other people to carry out. We all say "alternative energy" and stuff like that, but no matter what it is, it's not our field... it's someone else's field of expertise.
I feel like too many people are thinking about this the wrong way, and people who think as I do, are just "weird"... and by weird I suspect they mean "alien".
I think that the best overall method to solve our problems are not, to create better things... I mean, I do think that's extremely important, but whether we think it's the best or not, as a collection of individuals, we don't help. Just because you believe it's best, doesn't mean you are helping. Technology is getting better all the time, for everything, even things most of us could care less about because out there in the world somewhere is someone that has to improve the existing technology to get something that they are passionate about done. They are doing everything they can, already. Now, you might say "yeah, but look at the technology that the auto industry is coming up with now, because we all think it's a good idea, and look at the computer industry going "green" with LED backlit displays rather than florescent lights". It's only getting better because the industry sees that this is what is best. Hybrid cars, there's nothing new to them (in fact the power plants that drive trains are all hybrid diesel and electric), and we're all looking for cars that save us money, so they are doing their part to sell us something that we'll like... good for them. LED's are more efficient, they use less power, don't go out, and put out more light... good for the computer industry.
The best method is understanding your role, figuring out what you can do to help, and sticking with it. It will not be fun, it will not make you feel better as fast as doing something the usual way, but if enough people just do what's best and not what's easiest, there will be change.
We are living in ugly times, things are more complicated, things are harder to see, harder to control, but if everyone would just buckle down for a while technology will catch up. We'll have our 80% efficient solar panels, nuclear power plants that don't leak radiation and cannot melt down will become popular, practical and cheap, Hydrogen power will be domesticated, plastics will be biodegradable and recyclable, and overall your little contribution along with everyone else's will save us the trouble down the road, when the technology is available.
For now, I'm doing my part. I've stopped driving when I don't absolutely have to, I ride a bike. I don't leave fans on, and I don't run the AC, I save on bills and actually get rewarded for it... sure, I break a sweat once in a while, but really, what's a little moisture compared to the i-don't-know-how-many tons of pollution I would be responsible for if I would rather not sweat? I don't support consumerism, seeing as I buy what I need and not what I want. I turn lights off @ work when I'm not using them, when it's slow I'll turn lights off that shouldn't be off, I received a very nice "omg, I've never been so happy with my bills" compliment by my boss and still haven't been complained to. I use windows and blinds rather than lights during the day (I am not blind, I don't need lights during the day). I use my computer to rip off the music industry, so that I don't have to deal with plastic compact disks with plastic cases and wrapped in plastic. I read books via the internets, which saves trees, and time and money. All I have to do now is stop smoking, drinking so much (including coffee), eating foods from places with drive-throughs (which I rarely can "drive" through), and yeah... I'll be happy with myself.
What are you doing?
