The solution to global warming will be a combination of carefully chosen market mechanisms and regulation on every level from the international to the local. High-carbon economies and lifestyles must become as expensive to those who benefit from them as they are to the earth. And low-carbon economies and lifestyles must become feasible, attractive, and cheaper. But I recognize that the kind of bold leadership needed to make these changes currently doesn't exist in our nation or in our state. So in the lack of political leadership, what does a greenie like me do to live in a more environmentally sustainable way?

Well, we've been working on making our home as energy efficient, low-resource-using, and nonpolluting as possible We've replaced incandescent with fluorescent light bulbs. We recycle. We turn lights off, unplug appliances and use the solar-powered clothes dryer in the back yard. We live in a neighborhood close to public transit and lots of shops and services so it's easy to walk, ride our bikes and take the bus. Last year we thought it would be a good idea to take the next step and install a photovoltaic solar collection system on our roof to generate at least part of our own electricity.

Since 2004 Sierra Pacific has approved 690 small scale solar generation projects under its "Solar Generations" net metering and rebate program. What is net metering? Net metering allows you to offset your purchase of electricity with your own generated electricity, essentially making your meter run backwards. In installing solar panels on our roof we hoped to take advantage of Sierra Pacific's program, but the systems are expensive so the idea didn't pencil out. Even with net metering, a rebate, and federal tax credits, the payback period was too long. As Philip Moore, president of Sunrise Sustainable Resources Group said, "What? You mean you're not independently wealthy and can't throw money at your roof?"

Sunrise is a local organization whose mission is "empower Nevadans to use resources responsibly through education, advocacy and community development."

It turns out Sunrise has been working on the issue. They have introduced members of the state Legislature and local governments to an idea they call a "New Financing Model." Under the program, homeowners and businesses looking to install small scale renewable energy systems or to make energy conservation improvements would be eligible for low-interest government-backed loans for the work. The loan payments would then be added to the individual property tax bill and paid back over 20 years.

It sounded like a good idea to me, but I asked Philip why local governments might want to take part. What's in it for them? He said three things: not only would the governments be aiding citizens who want to save money and make their homes energy efficient, they'd be helping the environment, and also - I hadn't thought of this - bringing high quality "green collar" jobs to the area. He sees jobs for electricians, energy conservation specialists, installers, contractors, project managers, accountants and more coming out of the program. In the real estate slump we're currently suffering in Northern Nevada, that sounds pretty good.

We're Americans - aren't we supposed to be some of the best in the world at finding business opportunities? Seems to me there will be lots of opportunities for new businesses and new products in the transition to a post-carbon economy. It's nice to find out that we have a locally grown group right here in Northern Nevada working on practical, sensible ways to move to the next economy.

Anne Macquarie is a private-sector urban planner, and a 19-year resident of Carson City.