It’s the Energy, Stupid
During the 1992 presidential campaign, democratic strategist James Carville coined the phrase, “It’s the Economy, Stupid.” to focus the Clinton campaign on a perceived Bush weakness. Carville hung up a sign at Clinton headquarters in Arkansas that said: “1. Change vs. More of the Same 2. It’s the Economy Stupid 3. Don’t forget about health care.” to remind everyone of the hot talking points that were to be used with the press. Talk about deja vu, as we fast forward 16 years we notice that the exact same verbiage is being used during this election.
As I write this post, the unemployment rate is now at a 5 year high and the stock market is coming off a 350 point loss. Despite these statistics and the overall sluggish economy, I believe there is a more important issue than the economy that has to be addressed immediately. That issue is Energy, which I believe trumps the economy because increasing energy costs have been an important factor in harming the economy. But more importantly, the issue of Energy will ultimately decide if the United States can remain as a global super power. If we do not find away to become self sufficient with regards to Energy, you can expect us to be in one Middle East country or another for years to come. In addition, you will see Russia continuing to flex their muscles and “bully” former republics due to their abundance of oil.
Thus, there are very compelling reasons for politicians from both parties to position themselves as experts on the Energy issue. In fact, both candidates convention speeches, they mentioned numerous Energy topics. But I urge you all not to wait for a politician to solve this important problem. Instead, I believe that everyone should start looking at their own lives and how they can save energy. The great part about doing so is that you will be ultimately saving money as well.
1. Educate yourself about Energy Issue–Have you notice all those weird Pickens Plan commercials? Get yourself on their website and read about his proposal. Then, get yourself to Google and search for criticism of the Pickens Plan to read about the perceived downsides of the plan. Despite what you think about the plan, I commend him for actually coming up with an thorough plan, something I have yet to see from a major politician. The more the public becomes interested in Energy, the more time that politicians will spend on it. The better informed we become on the topic, the more specific and practical the politician’s proposals about Energy will become.
2. Research hybrid, biofuel, and natural gas powered cars–Depending on your driving habits, a hybrid car may already be a wise financial decision. In some areas of the country, it may be worth your while to switch to a compressed natural gas vehicle. For instance, some residents in Utah are enjoying 63 cent/gallon CNG prices and I urge you to read this article about them here. These alternative fuels may not be ready to save everyone money now, but you will not know until you do some simple research.
3. Drive more frugally–I am not going to go over the hundreds of ways that you can save gas. However, i am going to say that you should immediately use 10 of these tips to cut down your costs. So get out there and clean out your trunk, check your tire pressure, and start eliminating unnecessary trips with some strategic planning.
4. Unplug 5 appliances around your house–Do you really need to keep your vcr plugged in when you might use it once a year on look at an old home video. is in necessary to keep alarm clocks on in spare bedrooms? Can you live without having the time being displayed on your coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven, and blender ( I might be exaggerating here with the blender)?
5. Decide on 3 home improvement projects to save energy–These projects can be as simple as investing in more energy efficient light bulbs, to installing a programmable thermostat, to investing in better windows. Before you decide on which project to complete, calculate how much you expect to save and how long it will take for you to get a return on your investment. Once you have recouped your initial investment, you should calculate how much you are saving a year–this will certainly put a smile on your face and make your wallet more difficult to close.
Of course, taking these steps alone will not solve our Energy crisis. Furthermore, the savings that you accumulate taking these steps will not solve your financial problems. However, becoming knowledge about the Energy issue and taking the lead in your homes to conserving energy (and perhaps even using an alternative energy), will certainly we a step in the right direction.
This post was featured in the 169th Carnival of Personal Finance
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Filed under: Frugal Living, Saving Money, Wasting Money
Hello.
I would like to put a link to your site on my blog roll if you want to do the same for mine. It would be a good way to build up both of our readerships.
thank you.
It’s unfortunate that hybrid vehicles cost so much more. They say you earn that back in the long run because of the money you save on gas; but I need money in the short run =)
Tip about unplugging all excess appliances is a good one to practice.
Watch Death Notes last blog post..Death Note Episode 37 - New World
Its easy, if you don’t want to waste money for running your car, then don’t. Go and walk more, buy a bike, participate in car pools, use more public transportation and stay at home more often. but then again, not only cars uses energy.
Great post. Hybrid powered cars are indeed getting very popular at the moment.
[...] Red Stapler Chronicles - It’s the Energy, Stupid. The title of this piece says it [...]
Great information. I have installed a programmable thermostat in an attempt to save energy and money. I never thought about unplugging appliances that I don’t use every day. It makes sense and I will remember to do this!
Interesting articles!
Most of us ignoring the importance of point # 4. I think we can unplug more than 5 appliances around our house as more and more people now are having gadget mania mentality. Those gadgets can just be unplug if not being used, can save a significant amount of electricity.
Very intresting articles! My opinion is that we have to find alternative sources of energy to save the planet from disaster
Its easy, if you don’t want to waste money for running your car, then don’t. Go and walk more, buy a bike, participate in car pools, use more public transportation and stay at home more often. but then again, not only cars uses energy.
I agree with all of this, but in order to move things beyond concerned citizens it just has to be economical to do so. Few will change their ways over the long term for the greater good.
Nice post!! Most of the biofuel that people are using or planning to use would probably increase greenhouse gasses substantially.. Proper insulation is essential if you want a lower energy bill, especially for homes in colder climates..
Checking tire pressure frequently will save you money on gas, tires, and also increase your safety…. So this is definitely a must for all drivers. We must be as safe as possible…
Nice post!!! Heating and cooling are responsible for over half of energy use… This can be reduced greatly by a few simple, one-time activities… Insulating your house better, using a programmable thermostat, and placing heat-resistant radiator reflectors between the radiator and wall are all great ways of reducing your consumption….
With everyone trying to economize these days, you’re going to hear a lot of dubious ideas about reducing energy costs…. Many people talk about going green, but most do not want to be bothered with unplugging devices… Look around your house and you can put a price tag on all the plugged-in electronics you own…
[...] Red Stapler Chronicles – It’s the Energy, Stupid. The title of this piece says it [...]
Energy issues will always be at the forefront of our national dialogue, as well as every other nation’s agenda. Whether you are making excess energy to export or trying to make up a shortfall with imports, it is a ubiquitous topic, almost like the day’s weather. Power transmission will become a hot topic in this debate soon as well. Nearly one third of the energy we use is lost while it is converted into electricity, sent through the power grid, and then used to run machinery at the outlet. Transportation and conversion efficiencies will save energy across the board and they will not be specific to any one fuel source, they will apply equally to fossil fuels, wind, or solar energy.
Great post,with the whole world becoming more developed and advanced, we are seeing a great increase of energy demand. To meet these demands we need to start increasing the use all of the tecnologies for the alternative/renewable energies available. In the US, some states are now offering rebates/tax credits to make Wind a more affordable option. We see our energy bills rising every year with very little changes being made by the power companies. Whenever power companies ask for rate increases,I think we have to speak out and tell them they need to increase their method of generating electricity to alternative/renewable technologies.
It’s useless till people don’t get Tsunami in their house. Every disaster we are getting nowadays has relation with massive use of natural resources. Everyone should consider it and till everyone don’t consider it, bringing changes is just a dream.
Good ideas. I am doing research right now on wind and solar energy for a private hometo and I just learned a couple of new things. Thanks
Using solar energy just don’t save us from paying too much on our electric bills but also it’s good in our environment.
Great post! Never thought of unplugging all the appliances that I rarely use.I walk when I can to the store etc..to help cut down on polution from my vehicle.
We need to get this all out there.There are many advantages of solar energy and solar energy benifits and will very soon be part of our every day lives.And soon everyone will be involved in some way with helping this cause.I am a strong advocate in anything green and also solar panels and wind powered energy.
Travis Loizos´s last blog ..Our President Barack Obama talks Talks about Solar Energy.
Saving electricity benefits us, the consumers and our mother nature as well. Thanks for this very informative post. I will try my very best to unplug all electrical appliances when I am not using it.