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Curbing energy-use = saving money

That the world must do something to curb the use of energy is almost an oxymoron.

What everyone must come to realise is that it is not only big business and governments which must take affirmative action to reduce energy-use. Therefore an item on NPR's Morning Edition program today on how households can play their part in reducing the use of energy is more than worthwhile - because in the process the householder can actually save money:

"More than a dozen states have adopted ambitious goals to cut back on energy use. My home state, Maryland, has one of the most aggressive plans.

This spring, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a law that calls for a 15 percent reduction in electric use, per capita, over the next seven years. If successful, Maryland will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve a cleaner environment. These efforts also will reduce the state's need to build new power stations and transmission lines. While no one will be rewarded for making that 15 percent reduction, or punished for failing to meet it, it is an important effort.

To reach the goal, local utilities are being asked to come up with conservation plans. Public education plans will also be initiated to encourage the state's 5.6 million residents to cut down on electricity use in their homes.

I asked an energy-efficiency expert to come to my 100-year-old clapboard house in the Washington, D.C., suburbs and show me what I can do to cut back on my electricity use. Jennifer Thorne Amann from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy cheerfully took up the challenge. Here is what she found on a walk through my house...."

Read on here and here for all the tips......and probably see money in your pocket!

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