It isn’t really a battle as in good versus evil.  It is a battle to define the terms and see where the responsibilities lie.

Let’s establish some working definitions:

Energy efficiency is what it is.

Energy conservation is what we do.

If the device we plug into the wall uses less energy than the device it replaces or it uses less energy than similar devices we could have purchased, that device is energy efficient.

If we decide to unplug our electrical appliances when we aren’t using them or turn down our thermostats and put on a sweater or put our computer on standby, we are conserving energy.

Here are a few conservation videos:

Some information about easy energy saving measures outside the house and in the basement

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-6-v-72.html

Some information about easy ways everyone can save energy inside the home

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-6-v-15.html

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-6-v-44.html

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The stakeholders and activists in a move toward ending dependence on polluting fuels are individuals, local communities, local, state and federal governments.

The providers of the technology, products and services needed to achieve this goal are businesses.

The people, businesses and government have to work together to conquer our energy challenges.

Notice the unusual coalition of energy conservationists, utilities, alternative energy proponents and environmentalists who are suggesting a green jobs initiative that involves all of the stakeholders and providers noted.

The Alliance to Save Energy, Edison Electric Institute, Energy Future Coalition and the Natural Resources Defense Council released proposals ranging from low-income home weatherization and energy efficiency retrofits for homes and commercial and government buildings, to strengthened national model building energy codes, enhanced product efficiency standards and energy efficiency investments by utilities. In addition to federal funds for job-creating efficiency programs, the groups asked Congress to fund the authorized Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to help states further reduce their total energy use, reduce emissions related to fossil fuel use, and improve energy efficiency across all sectors.

http://greencollarjobsite.com/energy-environmental-groups-urge-quick-action-by-congress-to-use-energy-efficiency-programs-to-stimulate-economy-create-green-jobs/

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