Pickups are environmentally efficient because they last longer. For proof of this, calculate the number of old, beat-up, junky pickups still on the road and compare this figure to other vehicles. Pickup trucks actually reduce traffic. The drivers will park their trucks and use these alternate vehicles off-road, thereby lowering the number of vehicles on the road. Frequently, pickup drivers get the urge to drive the truck itself off-road, once again clearing the highway.
Pickup ownership is cost-effective if one considers all factors.
My V8 Tundra roars so loudly when I start it up that I do not need to buy a Harley. That's 20 grand saved right there. And since only a fussbudget would wash a pickup truck, we don't waste water resources. It's bad enough being loathed by the F-150 crowd for my Japanese name plate. I'm wasteful and irresponsible.