Toxics In, Toxics Out

I think I've said enough about my thoughts on toxic chemicals in personal care products, but this cartoon is pretty informative.  Remember to use your dollars to protect your body, your future children, and our environment.





On a positive note, House legislation was introduced yesterday that would require the government to test product safety, rather than the industry self-policing as it currently does. Hopefully the bill also addresses well known loopholes such as the ingredient fragrance, which is protected by trade secrets and can pretty much contain any chemical under the sun.

NO!

Check out the new billboard on I-35 near Ennis.

Texans for Energy Efficiency

Chris and I will hopefully soon be in the market for new appliances when we become homeowners, but unfortunately that won't happen soon enough to meet the deadline for these rebates.  Hopefully someone out there reading this will!  Pass along if you know anyone who might be interested.

As part of the federal stimulus package, Texas received $23 million and started the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program.    Here are the rebate deets:

• Refrigerators - $240
• Freezers - $180
• Room Air Conditioners - $45
• Clothes Washers - $150-180
• Dishwashers - $185-215
• Central Air Conditioners - $600-1,000
• Air-Source Heat Pumps - $,1200-1,600
• Hot Water Heaters - $375-715

In addition, you'll receive $75 more for recycling each of your old appliances.  The new appliances must be Energy Star certified.

From the Texas Trade Up website:
The program officially begins on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7 a.m., when rebate reservations will be accepted online or via toll-free call to 1-877-780-3039.  The purchase period for all appliances begins April 16, 2010. Appliances must be purchased from a Texas retail location or contractor. Online purchases are not eligible.  For refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners, the purchase period ends April 25, 2010.

 Kudos to our state for providing an additional incentive for residents to use efficient appliances!

There are also federal tax cuts available for purchases of Energy Star appliances, Memorial Day Weekend Sales Tax Holiday on Energy Star appliances, and don't forget about our local rebate programs from Austin Water Utility and Austin Energy.

US Heathcare Spending: Interesting Infographic

I found this interesting.  This of course does not account for the bill passed last month.
Click here for a larger version.