There is a lot of talk these days about alternative energy sources, hybrid, hydrogen, and diesel cars. The gas prices have been driving a lot of interest in vehical efficiency, gas taxes, oil company profits and all sorts of other things. Two things I haven't heard talked about is telecommuniting and building energy efficient homes.
Doesn't it make a lot more sense to give tax credits to companies that let employee's telecommute at least 50% of the time than to give tax credits to people who buy trendy, overpriced, stop-gap technology cars? Wouldn't it help the environment a lot more to get people off the roads? Lets put taxs money into reducing traffic, pollution, road maitenence, and energy use rather than helping wealthy people buy trendy cars.
And another thing; why are homes so dang inefficient? With a little thought our homes could be more comfortable, use less energy, blend into the environment better, and probably last a lot longer. It probably costs 5-10% more, so it will never happen in cookie-cutter land. I would pay more for a more efficient home, but I am sure I will have to build it myself.
Monday, May 8, 2006
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3 comments:
Posted by comicbookguy
Tax credits to companies that allow telecommuting, I think that's a good start to fixing our energy crisis faster than building ethanol refineries. Ethanol, even though its quicker to produce and can be mixed with gasoline to ease the consumption, has a lower btu. Speed demons will actually use more to go the same speed. There are many steps that need to be taken. Why don't we give up a couple days of driving a month and make a conscious effort to help. Ride bikes, take the bus, build better commuter rails. I plan to ride my bike to work to ease up on my wallet but I really can't telecommute or ride my bike to the job site. Telecommuting is a good method but a lot of companies have security risks that don't make that a real possibility. I thought that you would have this figured out by now! First of all, where does the president get most of his money for his election and retirement? The oil, auto and insurance industry. So who is the president going to look out for after himself? The economy runs on the fact that people actually leave their homes.
I have heard a lot of people talking about more efficient homes now than in the past. Giving people incinatives to look for better methods will help speed it up, but thats not how our government of big business works. You're basically on your own with building a better house. Most of the people in the industry are art majors meaning they go more for look than actual efficiency. The other half is made up of general contractors and sub contractors who have never been to school, so they don't understand. The only way to get change is by getting a whole community together and demanding improvements. Back to the hippie strength mace we go. As for me its a teepee in Montana.
Posted by beerjerk
Oh the joys of the single life. The ability to pickup and move to montana. The wife and kids may have issues with dirt floors though.
Posted by comicbookguy
Kill a buffalo, buffalokill. The pelt makes a sweet rug. Man you complain but these times call for resourcefulness. You can also chop trees down to build cabins. Or buy trailers the can be towed behind vehicles. But no matter what you have to end up in Montana, fishing for you dinner, and since Leslie is allergic, it's slime for her. Problem solved, everyone is happy.
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