Buy a Hybrid Car: The average driver could save 16,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $3,750 per year driving a hybrid. Wow. Buy a Fuel Efficient Car: Getting a few extra miles per gallon makes a big difference. Save thousands of lbs. of carbon dioxide and a lot of money per year. Efficient Cars Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10. Click here for more information on the eligible vehicles and the credit amount. Insulation: Switch to Double Pane:Double pane windows keep more heat inside your home so you use less energy. Save 10,000 lbs. of carbon Weatherize Your Home: Caulk and weather strip your doorways and windows. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year. Heating and Cooling: Switch to a Tankless Water Heater: Your water will be heated as you use it rather than keeping a tank of hot water. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $390 per year OR Insulate Your Water Heater: Keep your water heater insulated could save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year. Install a programmable thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a progammable thermostat to regulate your heat and air can save you $150 a year. Appliances: Replace Old Appliances: Inefficient appliances waste energy. Become Appliance Compliant. When it’s time to replace appliances, opt for a model that has the Energy Star approval rating. Yes,energy-efficient models can often cost often 15% or more above the cost of a standard appliance but there are pluses. 1. Lower utility bills (example - Old refrigerators are the worst; an energy efficient model could shave $50 a year off your utility bill; on a mid-range fridge that would mean you could recoup your extra purchase cost in just two or three years.) And at the end of the year...there are tax credits to going green. |