Products & Ideas...

Texas likes to do things big, and this Memorial Day weekend is no exception. For three days, Texas is suspending its sales tax on all ENERGY STAR appliances, offering its citizens a chance to save a lot of money when they buy energy-efficient devices. Included are all kinds of must-haves for the hot Texas summers, such as air conditioners, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats and refrigerators. (Oh, and CFL light-bulbs are also included.)

Taxas has a pretty high sales tax -- 8.25% in much of the state -- so this tax holiday will give consumers a chance to save $82.50 for every $1,000 they spend. And then they'll save more money by having an energy-efficient appliance in their home.

Okay, I usually poo-poo any type of activity that goads people into spending money to buy things they may not really need, but this at least is an idea that will help inspire Texans to buy appliances that use less energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gases. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Next step: getting 49 more state legislatures to copy this idea...