Google shows off energy calculator

Google is using the mighty power of its home page to promote a site where people can calculate the financial benefits of various ways to save energy.

The Halloween-theme energy savings calculator is one of a long list of Google's moves to tackle the country's energy problems. The site also includes a link to some advanced energy-saving tips.

However, Google Blogoscoped pointed out, the link doesn't work in some countries outside the United States.

Google counts every word on its home page in an effort to maximize page-loading speed and present an uncluttered user interface, but it often uses the few words below its search box to promote different efforts. The text for the energy savings plan reads, "Haunted by high energy costs? Here are some easy ways to save."

Google promoted this energy savings calculator from its front page. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: CNET News)

[Dpaterso1]

Dead Link, i cant actually get to the calculator

[aMUSICsite]

Gone offline!

[TheTechKid]

It's up again.

[sanenazok]

Turn off stuff and replace wasteful bulbs with CFL's. Wow this is going to save the world! My utility also wastes money on ads like this...at least Google isn't charging customers for putting this out.

[c|net Reader]

CFL's are a silly idea. Most contain toxic chemicals and the usual mantra is to replace existing bulbs, thus adding to landfills prematurely. They often fail well short of their purported life, so yield little, if any, savings. I also wonder how much CFL's cost to manufacture relative to incandescent bulbs and whether the additional cost is included in the ROI analysis.

[GoGreenGLI]

Also go to http://www.greenlineindex.com to find greenservices

[Cgager]

For businesses, going paperless is a great way to reduce expenditure. Costs associated with ink cartridges, toner, and maintenance of printers, copiers, and fax machines, not to mention the cost of paper itself, can really add up. Besides being cost effective and easier on the environment, going paperless is a more effective way to store and share data with colleagues and customers alike. <br />Courtney Gager, <br />http://www.milestechnologies.com