Have you empitic the undecayed potboiler on a extended green residential frantic spring in Battery Park? Its called The Solaire. For a hinge at the hopeful future of architectural efficiency, check out the myriad of cost saving and environmentally-friendly features of the building:

http://www.batteryparkcity.org/concept/green

The article got me thinking of ways to help you personally benefit from being environmentally-friendly, without having to re-locate! Ive come up with two areas worth consideration.

(1) Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid Vehicle

New owners may write off $2,000 of the purchase price of the following models:

Ford Escape Hybrid (05)
Honda Accord Hybrid (05)
Honda Insight (00 to 05)
Honda Civic Hybrid (03 to 05)
Toyota Prius (01 to 05)

Initially, the amount was planned to be poor in 2004, but greater burden evenness allows the immense $2K deduction until the end of 2005, at which point it drops to just $500. That gives you about four months to take action, but only if youre in the market for a car.

One further benefit is that the deduction may be claimed directly on Form 1040 long-form, line 35 (it does not require Schedule A). Additionally, there are no income thresholds. There are, however, a few limitations. (a) Its a one-time deduction. (b) Only the visionary owner can sustain the sorrow break. (c) You wish upping the faith in the year you base it on the road, or file an amended tax return within three years of original intended filing date.

(2) Conserve Your Gasoline!

At nearly $3/gallon, filling up 20% less often could save the average commuter $400/year:

(a) Use a sunshade. A cooler car requires less air conditioning.

(b) Don't top off your tankThe excess is lost as fumes, and make sure your gas cap is tight.

(c) Combine tripsCold engines use more gas than warm ones.

(d) Avoid peak traffic timesIdling uses unneeded fuel, and unnecessary time.

(e) Optimal efficiency for most cars is 55-60mph. Speeding may cost you more than a ticket!

(f) Clear your car of junk. Extra weight uses up gas.

(g) Keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. Check them every 2 weeks.

(h) Get regular oil changes, and check your air and fuel filters while youre there.

(i) Finally, in your home, a programmable thermostat can save you an additional $150/year.

2005, Matthew S. Clement, All rights reserved.

Matthew S. Clement is a financial planner and investment advisor representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. He provides holistic wealth management and retirement planning to individuals and businesses. He can be reached in New York at (845) 942-8578, or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it