Right now, Florida is emitting CO2 pollution faster than nearly every other state in the country, according to a new study from a U.S. Public Interest Research Group. But you can help reduce the increase in CO2 emissions at home and save some cash.

Janet McCulloh, Mrs. Orlando USA 200,7 has done something to her home that she said won't rip the ozone layer to shreds, but will lower her bills. She installed a solar hot water system.

McColloh said the four-by-ten foot panel on her back roof and the tank are about to give her a big bang for her buck.

"That's because I can save about 20-percent off my electric bill every single month, every single year,” she said.

Up front, it's not cheap. McCulloh dished out $4,000-dollars. But she'll get some of that back.
The federal government promises a tax credit. Plus, the State of Florida and her utilities company offer rebates worth hundreds.

McCulloh's had the system for about a month and says it works better than her old, non-solar water heater. She also like's knowing what she's not putting in the air: CO2 - the stuff that depletes the ozone layer and contributes to global warming.

"You're virtually eliminating the emissions of three vehicles per year,” said Dave Bessette of All Solar Company. “So it's tremendous."

A new study shows between 1990 and 2004, Florida's CO2 emissions have gone up 37 percent – a rate that's twice the national average.

In addition to installing a solar hot water system, there are a few things you can do right now that can help get that number down.

First, put in ceiling fans.

“It's supposed to make it feel as though it's three degrees, temperature degrees, cooler,” McCulloh said. McCulloh also installed a programmable thermostat, energy star appliances and window shading to cut back on her electricity use, therefore cutting back the amount of bad stuff into the air.

In Longwood, Allison Walker, Central Florida News 13.