Even if we got people interested in a bigger project of alternative energy by telling them they would save more money in the long run... this might spark their interest. We know in this economy it's hard to find jobs and it's hard to spend any extra money on anything. So if we worked out a plan even with the government, promised people a loan they could pay back once they started saving money, and actually showed them other windmills and solar energy from people who already have it... I think people would be well informed and be really intrigued to want to change their life style to save money. Once more and more people start converting other people will feel the need to follow them. Soon enough we would be on the right track to converting our whole state of Maine to alternative energy! "Efficiency Maine Energy Saving Tip I unplug electronics that I'm not using. It saves me $7 bucks a month!" This comes right from www.efficiencymaine.com Check out the video "commercial."
Also, alternative energy electronics and appliances are becoming more and more popular. Things like refrigerators, toilets, and clothes washers. Why not spend a few extra dollars and then you save money in the long run!
Now if you are talking about a loan that work with the government, you must be talking about using this for the entire nation, not just Maine. I think it's a very good idea to think of the carbon footprint and, not calling our country stupid, I feel that most people just don't care, or take the time to completely understand. I think you have a great idea to make it more interesting to help people understand and have a greater idea of what they are really adding to the world, not just how much money they are saving.
ReplyDeleteMost Americans are too busy to bother thinking about their carbon footprint. Its too hard to try and get Mainer's attentions, let alone all of America. People are thinking mainly of the economy and how their going to stay afloat during theses bad times, there isn't much thought of alternative energy. I think its a great idea, but most of the population doesn't have the time to listen.
ReplyDeleteYeah!! More power to Maine! haha, it's funny to think though that people are converting to save money but they might not really realize how they are helping the environment. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI try to unplug the electronics that I am not using but like Annie said I'm busy and most of the time I don't remember to unplug things. I think we need to find a way to get Maine's attention about unplugging and think about their carbon footprints.
ReplyDeleteThis is a gooood idea. Informing the people I think will intrigued them to want to change their life style if it saves them money.
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult thing is going to be getting people in remote places involved. They prefer to have their old electronics which aren't as energy efficient because they don't have the means to purchase new energy efficient items, and it doesn't look like the American government does either. Hopefully the awareness will get out! even to the remote places.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea, people will really jump on with the money saving. Times are way too tough and people need that extra saving money tip. If everyone unplugged the toaster while they were gone or shut off the computer over night; think of all the money and energy we could save! I agree with everyone above, it's going to be tough to get everyone on board but I really believe that the money aspect is a step in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that people are already making an effort toward lessening their carbon footprints, even if it is for the purpose of lowering their electric bills. A few years ago, USM gave out the LED lights at the Model United Nations Conference for free as part of their efforts toward a greener tomorrow. This was a great way to introduce some people to LED lights. If people try them, they are more likely to buy them. So maybe, as part of a promotion, a group could give out ecofriendly products.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be hard to get people off their addiction to energy because our country is based about new trends and new technologies our economy puts on the market. But I'm glad to hear Maine is doing their part in trying to conserve energy even if it is just for them to save money, anything helps. I like your loan idea and I to people that purchase an alternative source it would be a good incentive for Mainers to go green.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you said. When it comes to green appliances, some people are just stubborn and don't want to spend the extra money at the time, but some also can't afford it. There is no excuse for not unplugging unused appliances, everyone could do at least that much to help our environment, right? Once more and more people start doing this, the sooner it will have POSITIVE effects on the environment.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that alternative energy is a good thing in order to save money, but as for the "carbon footprint" side of things, I don't think its going to do much. I do not believe that humans output of carbon dioxide or any greenhouse gases for that matter has a very significant affect on the earth. It is all a cycle!
ReplyDeleteI am all for changing our energy source however, people think about money all the time, and how they can save it. And even though they might know that they will be saving money down the road, they arn't to happy about the fact that they will have to spend more now. Also, I don't know very many people that want to worry about paying back loans!
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