Heavypen – freelance public relations, promotions, and publisher in California

No matter where you are in this discussion philosophically or politically, the economy is coming back. Already, the American consumer is getting more active. The fact that we’re coming out of a steep recession means that there is pent-up demand for things – like new cars, furniture, clothing. We’ll start taking more vacations. We’ll go out to eat more often.

In short, that means that Americans will be consuming more and more energy. And like any commodity, when there is more demand, prices go up. It doesn’t matter if you believe that global warming is happening or not, energy conservation is key. We need a “green hedge” on inflation.

The ‘green hedge’ works like this: we plan for the future and do everything that we can do to trim our consumption of energy now before prices go up. Every home and business can (and should) reduce energy consumption by 30%. That sound like a lot and it is a big goal, but even if we reduce energy consumption just a little, collectively we can make a huge difference. We can stave off hyperinflation in energy prices that have been predicted by world economists ever since the price of oil broke $100 per barrel back in 2007.

We can start by doing simple things like update our homes with Energy Star lighting and appliances.

We can unplug battery chargers for cell phones, computers, and cameras.

We can change habits like turn off lights, televisions and computers when we’re not using them.

We can adjust thermostats – warmer during summer, cooler during winter.

After you’ve done all of that, then you can advance to things like insulate your walls, ceilings and doors; update windows with double pane and roofs with reflective composites; add a pre-cool misting system to your central air conditioning system; ventilate your attic with solar powered fans; install tankless water heaters; and the ultimate – you can add solar panels to your home or business.

Not everybody wants to be a tree hugger, so I say “don’t.” Be smart instead. Plan for the future and ACT NOW. Put your Green Hedge into motion before hyperinflation hits you where it won’t grow back.