What would convince you to replace your high polluting itmes (appliances, cars, etc.) w/ energy efficent ones?

Question

Most people, in spite of all of the evidence that we are destroying our environment, will not take the steps necessary to reduce their impact. It either takes too much time, too much money, too much research, etc. We, as a society, need to figure out what would motivate people to make these changes. Is it only money? Are there other motivators? What would get you to actually go out today, sell your car and buy a hybrid? What would get you to actually go out today, and buy a more enrgy efficient refrigerator or replace all of the lightbulbs in your house with compact fluorescent lightbulbs?

Answer 1

I've been trying to figure out that one too.
Besides cost, I think people are also motivated by convenience and style... especially in our society seeing what celebrities have 'what'.
Personally, I'm motivated by the end result. We have energy efficient appliances and the light bulbs (when we turn on the lights ;-)... we have many windows and try not to switch the lights on too much.)
The car... well, I'm not there yet (I commute everyday and use my car for longer distances) I'm patiently waiting for THE great (earth saving) car before I make such a large purchase... meanwhile, I use my current car efficiently... driving the speed limit, check the tire pressures often and have it regularly maintained.
If it were possible, I would love to go back to horse and buggy! How awesome would that be? (It's my dream, let me enjoy!) :-)

I think convenience is right after cost/money for a motivator... perhaps the general public perceive 'being green' as giving up part of their lifestyle and complicating it.

Just my thoughts.

Answer 2

The honest answer is that it Depends. Yes a newer car may get better mileage, but is it enough to offset the carbon footprint of what the mining, refining, manufacturing, molding, assembling, shipping, and chemical costs of a new car would be for you? Probably not. However there are people out there with cars that are so old and require parts replacement so often that the environmental benefit of recycling them would be better. Keep in mind that a full sized sedan today uses less metal a small compact vehicle of the 70's and 80's. As for your appliances, the same would apply except you also want to consider where you live and where the majority of your power comes from. Some people get their water from hydro, wind, and solar power, and so the environmental impact of using less efficient models is nowhere near the offset that it would be if you live in an area where most of your power comes from coal plants. If you do decide to recycle your old units, contact a proper recycling location that can help you find the best place to put your old appliance. Sorry it's long, but I hope this helps

Answer 3

i am already convinced and doing so...energy star appliances are no more expensive than more conventional models, and they save you money. same with cars. why won't every person buy them? i assume they are ignorant as to the salience of the problem or simply do not care (hard to believe, but true). also, many "green cars" are, arguably, kinda small. those with children need more room than a civic or prius allow. hybrid suvs are on the up and coming, the pilot and highlander come to mind.

i agree with (whoever) above me, the gov't needs to force this upon us, namely by mandating that certain standards must be achieved by the manufacturers. and tax incentives would certainly help, i think all that currently exist are on the state level, but i might be mistaken. lets increase them and expand them to the federal level, if not already.

so, i guess my answer is: educate them and then mandate them

Answer 4

U need to do some research ,CO2 is not the problem!!!! Plants through photosynthesis will take care of all the CO2 we produce . WE are not getting realistic choices . Most of the global warming hype is just that . Instead of complaining of how bad it is find some meaning solutions. but it is probably too big for u.

Answer 5

not sure about the cars but as far as appliances goes if you got some kind of rebate or a discount for the energy efficient one that might help.

Answer 6

Affordable,availability.

Answer 7

dont' blame the people. the govt. has had many opportunites to force this upon us, but they're so caught up in the oil/money game it wont happen.... plus that **** is rediculously expensive....