The impending global energy crunch can be made less painful by implementing energy efficiency technologies and conservation efforts today. A new report by the McKinsey Global Institute (as quoted in the NY Times) says the growth in fuel and electricity demand can be cut by half using available technology today.

Worldwide energy consumption is expected to increase by 2.2 percent a year through 2020, with China and India's rising economies to fuel much of that demand. But if individuals and companies implement off the shelf technologies such as energy efficient light bulbs and better insulation, the growth rate could be slowed to less than 1 percent.

The report mentions compact fluorescent light bulbs as an easy fix that rapidly pays for themselves, but they remain an enigma to most shoppers. With a 10 year life and 75 percent reduction in energy, CFL bulbs are a no-brainer. So how come Home Depot and Lowe's aren't t promoting these products in the front of their stores? (At least Lowe's has some helpful info on its website).

We should establish an energy efficiency month (April) where retailers are prompted to promote their energy efficient products. States that charge a sales tax could let approved goods be tax free for a few days that month to further prompt buying.