What Kind of Green Jobs Most Interest You?

clock July 29, 2010 07:30
On Monday, Amy told you about some resources to help you learn about and find green jobs. "Green jobs" is a broad term, and there are opportunities for people with all types of skills.

What kind of green jobs most interest you?

Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments. [More]


Bringing Better Information to the Energy Savers Crowd

clock July 27, 2010 07:30
One of the most fun things I get to do in my work in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is go to exciting public events to help get some of our best educational resources into the hands of the public. These outreach events run the gamut from sustainability expos and Earth Day celebrations to home shows and energy-efficient building showcases. It's great to get out of the office and get some real face time with the people of all ages who visit our booth – and it never ceases to amaze me how knowledgeable and interested most consumers are in improving the ways they use energy in their homes and businesses.

Visitors to the Solar Decathlon in Washington D.C. last year might have seen a fantastic exhibit called Anatomy of a House, which we feature at some of the larger events we attend. It's an interactive house that visitors can walk through to learn more about all sorts of energy efficiency technologies that can help them save energy and money, including high-efficiency insulation, windows, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and home appliances. The hands-on experience inspires people to learn more about these everyday products, which they start to see in a new light—and it often stimulates them to start asking more questions. [More]


Greening Your Job: Careers in Energy

clock July 26, 2010 07:30
Recently a friend considering switching careers asked me about job opportunities in renewables and efficiency—often referred to as green jobs. My friend was aware that there was a lot of focus around the country on being green, and that that focus was leading to growth in green jobs. But she admitted to being a little confused as to just what might constitute a green job. And, with a background in accounting, she couldn't help but wonder if a green job was really out of her reach. [More]


What Eco-Driving Techniques Do You Use on the Road?

clock July 22, 2010 07:30
On Tuesday, you read about eco-driving and how it can improve fuel economy and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. Simple measures such as observing the speed limit, planning your trips, and keeping your tires properly inflated can make a big difference in your savings.

What eco-driving techniques do you use on the road?

Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments. [More]


Eco-Driving: An Everyday Way to Reduce Our Oil Dependence

clock July 20, 2010 07:30
Global warming and oil dependence are on the front burner for good, and for good reason. The Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began on April 20 is now the worst oil disaster in American history. Meanwhile, U.S. transportation is still almost totally dependent on oil and responsible for about 30% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. About 60% of that oil comes from foreign sources. Is there anything we can do? [More]


Rebates for ENERGY STAR Appliances: State Stories

clock July 19, 2010 07:30
As you're probably aware by now, every state and U.S. territory has been given funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to allow eligible consumers to receive rebates for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances when they replace used appliances.

So, how's the program working? The answer is: great overall. The response has been enormous (as many of you have probably witnessed) as people have purchased an unprecedented number of washers, dryers, and other home appliances.

Here's an example of the program's impact in Florida: [More]