The nation is in economic turmoil — and Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny is on the case.
This week, the second-term Brighton Beach Democrat responded to our fiscal fears by reminding constituents to “make energy-efficient improvements in their homes.”
As a result, Brook-Krasny’s e-mail st atement, titled, “Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny: Saving energy can save you money,” ran away with The Brooklyn Paper’s coveted “Press release of the week” award.
But before you mock the lawmaker and his press release, did you know that “the typical family spends over $1,600 a year on home utility bills — a large portion of which is wasted energy, such as from drafty windows or poor insulation”?
Did you know that you could cut energy costs by “keeping curtains open in the daylight and closed at night”?
Did you know that “taking shorter showers” can lead to water AND energy cost savings?
And did you know all 14 of Brook-Krasny’s energy-saving tips, including “checking for open fireplace dampers,” switching to fluourescent lightbulbs, adding insulation, and “turning down the thermostat”?
Lest you deride the Assemblyman’s efforts, his press release also offered the phone number of a federal energy-efficiency program (it’s (212)-480-7644) and the Web addresses of a state program to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and household improvements.
“I encourage Brooklyn residents to take advantage of the assistance and incentives available to ensure a safe, warm and cost-effective winter,” Brook-Krasny concluded.
That said, we can’t wait for his next seasonal offerings: “Spring: A good time to do some home cleaning,” “Summer: Get the kids outside and play,” and “Fall: Raking leaves is actually good exercise.”
