The Buy Green to Save Green campaign, launched by Washington Congressman Brian Baird and environmental group the Sierra Club, aims to get people to use their economic stimulus payments to buy green products.

From next month, the US Treasury will begin sending out economic stimulus cheques worth at least $300 each depending on the individual’s circumstances.

The campaign is also calling on retailers to offer promotions and other incentives to encourage consumers to participate in the campaign.

Major retailers such as Lowes, Home Depot and Sears Holdings – the company behind Sears and Kmart – have already signed up to the campaign.

The House of Representatives is also set to vote on Mr Baird’s resolution endorsing the campaign.

Writing in Washington’s The Hill newspaper just days before the launch of the campaign, Mr Baird said: “With more than $100bn soon to be put in the hands of consumers to stimulate the economy, this is a multi-win opportunity.

“Thanks to the retailers’ promotions, people will save money when they purchase the products, lower their future energy bills, reduce our nation’s overall demand for scarce energy, increase the value of their homes and reduce greenhouse gases.

“For those individuals who are able to, this is a great way to invest the rebate checks in a way that yields a high return in reducing energy costs and investing in homes and businesses.

“That’s a win not only for the individual consumer, but for the entire nation.”

Carl Pope, Sierra Club executive director, said: “The Buy Green to Save Green campaign shows that when it comes to the economy and the environment, we can have our cake and eat it too.

“By spending their stimulus cheques on energy efficient products, consumers can help put our economy back on track, help the environment, help save themselves money on their energy bills, and help bring the clean energy future to life.”

Kate Martin

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