Do Your Part for the Environment
According to the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy, the results of our efforts to make our homes more energy efficient are adding up. With the help of the ENERGY STAR program, Americans saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars. And that translated to a savings of $19 billion on their utility bills.
The EPA further reports that taking steps toward an energy efficient home can save about one-third on energy costs without sacrificing style, convenience or comfort, and that cutting energy usage at home by one-third results in similar savings in greenhouse gas emissions.
When looking for new household goods, remember that home products carrying the familiar ENERGY STAR symbol are rated at least 15 percent to 20 percent more efficient than the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy currently require.
