Another way for the government to convey its firm stance in favor of greening the Earth is a program that rewards anyone who buys energy-efficient appliances such as washing machine and refrigerator. This is just like the “cash for clunkers” programs wherein consumers were encouraged to trade-in their old, oil-burning cars for new and more energy-efficient vehicles, but this time there will be no trade-ins.
According to the Baltimore Sun, “The U.S. has set aside $300 million in stimulus money to give to the states to develop their own programs, and Maryland is slated to get $5.4 million.
The program is expected to spur cautious consumers to open their wallets and give a boost to ailing manufacturers, retailers and the environment. Unlike ‘cash for clunkers,’ however, there will be no trade-ins. The only requirement is the purchase of a qualifying Energy Star model.”
In another article, “The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has obtained $12 million in federal stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Energy to help defray the cost of buying new, more energy efficient appliances for the home.
The program is the Obama administration’s effort to make homes more energy efficient while supporting the nation’s economic recovery, according to a press release from the energy department.”
Energy Department spokeswoman Jen Stutsman said states soon will be getting the first 10 percent of their grants so they can begin setting up their programs. “The balance of the grants won’t come until after the Oct. 15 deadline for applications,” she said.
“Consumers can expect to begin getting rebates late this year or early next year,” Stutsman said.
All other states are expected to apply and take advantage of this new stimulus from the current administration. Each state and U.S. territory that would participate will have individual design appropriate for their dispensation. The rebates could be meted out by the states, utilities, or other qualified parties, a representative of the Department of Energy explained.
Each state has the prerogative to establish what appliances will be dealt with although the Department of Energy recommended home goods that have the highest consumption rate such as air conditioners, washers, dryers, heaters, refrigerators and freezers.
Greening the Earth is indeed a serious matter not only in the United States but all throughout the world. Individuals like us must somehow do something about this rectification as well. Let’s start with our homes, cars, ways in dealing with the environment, etc. Perhaps in our own small ways, we can collectively reduce our carbon footprints and their effects in the ecosystem.
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