Should the Government Tax Carbon Emissions?br Commonwealth Club - The Commonwealth Club of Californiabr Can we "save" our way to energy independence? Many energy companies contend the cheapest energy is unused energy. Changes in the construction and management of buildings help companies conserve, but is this a comprehensive strategy?What can we do in our personal lives to conserve, rather than consume? Turning off lights, pumping up tires and using the dishwasher's "energy saver" mode are small, simple steps.