A Solution to ForeclosureThe current problem of foreclosure is based on a long series of bad loans made to people who were unable to repay those debts. Based on evening news broadcasts over the past year, it appears that the majority of these foreclosures concern very modest homes. My solution to this problem is to invest in these houses using green technology. President Obama has been a strong supporter of weatherproofing homes. Simple additions such as a rubber strip under the front door and sealant around windows can significantly reduce cooling and heating costs. These products are cheap and easy to purchase and can reduce homeowners' electricity bills. In the state of Florida in 2006, only 1,315 households received weatherization assistance (http://www.energy.gov/). This figure is so small that it is almost humiliating. Residents turn up their air conditioners in the summer; most of this energy is carried out the door before it can cool the house. If homeowners received the financial support they need to weatherproof their homes, they could save hundreds of dollars on their electric bill. These savings can be used to repay home loans. Along with protecting homes from the elements, adding solar panels to home roofs can also result in reduced electricity costs. In the state of Florida, solar panels are underutilized. I live in Jacksonville, Florida, which has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. In my neighborhood, out of nearly a hundred homes, only one house is equipped with solar panels on its roof. In fact, this is the only house I know of that uses solar panels, and even they underutilize the system. Currently, many states offer rebates for homes... middle of paper ...... has been discussed at roundtables for years. As long as it has the necessary funding, I believe this program will be effective in reducing foreclosures. This suggestion is by no means foolproof and can only help reduce the foreclosure rate to a small extent. However, if a hard-working American were about to lose their home, they would be willing to try anything to keep their property. References: US Department of Energy. Flower weatherization and low-income energy programs. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/state_activities_detail.cfm/state_abbr=fl, updated April 8, 2009, accessed December 30, 2009. Florida Solar Rebate (2009). Solar Rebate in Florida. http://www.floridasolarrebate.com/, accessed December 30, 2009.Dictionary.com. Equity. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/equity, accessed December 30, 2009.