Money talks.
As we shift to a green economy, new technology is often more expensive than older technology.
Publicly funded financial incentives help level the playing field. In most cases, you fund these incentives by paying taxes or utility bills. Take advantage of them!
For example, the State of Maine developed a very popular program to encourage the adoption of air-source heat pumps. Their goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save residents money, and prepare for a warming climate. Heat pumps:
- Use electricity very efficiently to provide both heat and air-conditioning.
- Are easy to install and maintain.
- Pair nicely with solar-electric systems.
- Are inexpensive to purchase and operate.
- Work well in cold climates.
How’d they do this?
- Stacking Federal and State incentives, totaling $3,800 per unit. Units average $5,500 installed before rebates.
- Workforce training.
- Media coverage.
- Streamlined application process.
Future posts will cover guidance on how to access funding for specific products and services, such as electric vehicles, solar, air-sealing and insulation, appliances, and more.
Planetarily,
Laura & Gil
Our friends Laura & Gil Richardson are, in their own words, “imperfect” but they are much further down this Planetarian path than anyone I know. They are a treasure trove of sustainable living inspiration and we’ve asked them to share one simple swap per week that they’ve made (and the products they love) in hopes it might inspire you to make them, too.
