We were involved in alternative energy and energy conservation going back to the 1970s, long before the current oil situation, and we were naturally very disappointed when all government involvement in encouraging it was effectively ended in the mid-1980s (that is, effectively
discouraging it...). Evidently the goal of the government at that time was to support the petroleum industry. We were interested in all forms of alternative energy then and we are still interested in it now; we'd very much like to know more.
Unfortunately, samhass, the idea of "everyone" being involved is, IMHO, completely unrealistic. You have those who insist that there is no problem at all; others who are intimidated by new ideas; yet others who have no problem with "squandering the earth's resources" and who in fact joyfully do so (those who live by the premise that "it's a free country and I can do what I want"); and still more, as discovered by travel, who are apathetic. You're suggesting a monumental undertaking. And I'm not suggesting that it cannot be done, just that it would be a real challenge. At the same time, regarding this suggestion and in truth anything else potentially worthwhile:
EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT = DO-ABLE!
EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT ≠ IMPOSSIBLE!