More efficient appliances and cars, but they are all BIGGER now
Even as the energy efficiency of appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators increased, Americans have taken that money saved and just spent it on bigger appliances and vehicles, consuming more energy overall, according to a study from CIBC World Markets.This is called the "efficiency paradox" and according to the research team is true for every developed country. The study concludes that stricter energy efficiency regulations aren't the answer because with "the tax cut" people just end up using more.
This efficiency paradox also applied to cars. As the average mileage per gallon has increased, Americans have responded by driving larger vehicles and driving more. Increasing size of homes has also increased energy use.
I guess if things were going to get bigger anyway, it is good they became more fuel efficient, but according to this they became bigger because they could due to increased fuel efficiency.
[Via ENN/Reuters]
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