Downloading music, software applications and video has become commonplace, reducing the need for consumers to drive their cars to buy DVDs, CDs and the like.  This ConsumerGram focuses on the positive environmental impact of buying online and finds that just downloading music has resulted in 6.5 billion fewer miles driven each year.  Less driving benefits [...]

Policymakers are in desperate need to develop a sound and comprehensive energy policy.  However, the steps being considered – investing in more expensive alternative fuels, carbon taxes, cap-and-trade schemes, conservation and so on – all require consumers to make sacrifices.  This ConsumerGram looks at the evidence and finds that increased investment and use in information [...]

According to an American Consumer Institute study, over the next 10 years, broadband applications will decrease greenhouse gas emissions by one billion tons.  That study attributed this environmental savings to several broadband applications, including telecommuting, distance learning, teleconferencing and e-materialization.  This ConsumerGram takes a second look at one of the more promising and fast growing [...]

Joseph P. Fuhr Jr.
Stephen B. Pociask
 

Executive Summary
People around the world are becoming more and more aware of and concerned about changes in the atmosphere due to extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and changing ecosystems.  As the Washington Post noted in a special report about global warming and climate change, “broad scientific evidence suggests that [...]

Money Saving Tips for Consumers
 
This ConsumerGram is the third and final report in our series of consumer tips.  In this ConsumerGram, we list few small steps can result in a big energy savings for consumers. 
 
The following are important tips to save money and help the environment:
 
·         For General Lighting, Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.
o        [...]

Energy Crisis Needs to be Addressed on Many Fronts; the Hydrogen Car Can be Part of the Answer
Stephen Pociask*
How would you describe the current state of U.S. energy policy — record high gas prices, refinery shortages, Middle East supply disruptions, increasing energy demand and 7 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions?  This ConsumerGram looks at [...]

By Bruce N. Hahn
President, American Homeowners Foundation
 
Gasoline isn’t the only cost that has skyrocketed recently. The U.S. Department of Energy predicted that home heating bills increased dramatically in the 2005-06 winter heating season. Natural gas costs rose an estimated 48%, heating oil 32%, propane 30%, and electricity 5%.
 
Since last winter gas prices have continued [...]

The American Consumer Institute Sponsored Study Assesses Mechanisms Designed to Reduce Carbon Emissions
 
A new research study, authored by national economist and former Undersecretary of Commerce Dr. Robert Shapiro and sponsored by the American Consumer Institute, finds that carbon taxes may be a better alternative to emissions caps and tradable permits (commonly referred to as cap-and-trade).  [...]