Are Americans Willing to Reduce their Dependence on Oil?
From Anna on May 29th, 2008 in Green Remodeling
America is known as the land of plenty, where anyone who is willing to work hard can achieve the American dream. The comfortable house full of technological gadgets and modern appliances, the “2.3″ kids, the successful job, and two cars in the oversized garage. But with the demand for oil exceeding production, much more attention has been brought to the issue of conservation and sacrificing. Are we ready to make some adjustments to our lifestyles?
Other countries have been feeling the pinch of rising energy costs for quite some time now. In actuality, we have been spoiled enjoying lower prices for as long as we have. Forced to contend with a higher cost of living, other countries have developed ways to counteract the stymieing effect, both in their everyday routines and in their homes.
Building smaller, more compact homes encourages making more out of less. Smaller spaces use less energy to heat and cool, use fewer resources to build, and encourage more conservative living. Many cities are compacting their building, and planning as many new developments close to the city infrastructure as possible. This allows more people to get where they need to go without the use of a car.
The widespread use of solar power has been restricted by its expense for far too long. Even if you can’t afford to go completely solar yet, you can take baby steps, such as installing a solar-powered water heater. Many states now offer some form of small incentive program — some up to $2,000 to encourage more solar usage in homes. Receive a free estimate from a professional contractor to make your home more energy efficient and more conducive to green living.
