| A New Star Has Arrived |
| Written by Beverly Clarke | |
| Thursday, 14 May 2009 | |
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Who would have known back in 1992 that Energy Star, a joint initiative of the US Department of Energy and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) would have become such a major heavy hitter in the world of energy efficiency for the 21st century?, in fact so ingrained in our culture are they that 70% of all Americans recognize that Energy Star is synonymous with energy saving, with over one billion products being sold with the Energy Star logo to date.
Who would have known back in 1992 that Energy Star, a joint initiative of the US Department of Energy and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) would have become such a major heavy hitter in the world of energy efficiency for the 21st century?, in fact so ingrained in our culture are they that 70% of all Americans recognize that Energy Star is synonymous with energy saving, with over one billion products being sold with the Energy Star logo to date. Before the Kyoto Protocol as we know it came to be, most of the world was in blissful slumber in regards to the issue of global warming, most people had no idea what that even was. You can say that in terms of global action, we are like a 50,000 ton megaship that only now is finally, yet ever so slowly, turning its rudder in a direction for the positive, but like with big ships as in our consuming habits as a nation, it takes time to change. The key to turning the situation positively around lies in each of us making a contribution by facillitating changes in our everyday lives. Now that the problems have been brought to the attention of the public, we have begun to take global warming seriously. One such program that has had its finger on the pulse long before most people were even aware of the environment was Energy Star. Their objective was to save money and the environment by way of energy efficient practices and products. With its simple origins, Energy Star has continued to become stronger and stronger and has become a front runner in energy efficiency. It all started with the Energy Star label on a few appliances beginning with PCs and monitors but in 1995 that range grew to incorporate many more office equipment products and heating and cooling systems for private homes. So prolific is Energy Star that it now encompasses over 60 different products ranging from refrigerators to microwaves ovens, televisions, sound systems, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, home electronics and lighting to name a few with the more recent expansion of the EPA to now include energy efficient solutions for both residential home and commercial buildings. As the years pass, Energy Star's world reach has extended even further as it sets up joint venture coalitions with over 15,000 partners while providing a way for customers to make better informed choices when selecting energy efficient solutions. Consumers can feel re- assured in knowing that their product will, in the long run, economize by taking up less energy and radiating a smaller quantity of greenhouse gases than some of their less efficient competitors. 2008 alone saw Energy Star save nearly 20 billion dollars through reduced energy usage from their inventory of approved products carrying the Energy Star logo. The "Change the World begin with Energy Star" campaign was launched in April, 2009, which was set out to become the inspiration to shoppers to join in the fight against global warming. By replacing older energy wasting appliances with ones that are certified Energy Star compliant and changing a few of their daily habits, they will be making a huge contribution to the health of the planet. Energy Star predicts that by the year 2012, there will be a reduction of approximately 50 MMTEC in greenhouse gases. This total saving equals the output from more than 30,000,000 autos, while at the same time saving over 15 billion dollars annually in energy costs alone. So how do we make this life-changing global impact for energy conservation?, simple, just by one energy compliant appliance at a time. The Article Author: Beverly Clarke manages a network of going green websites promoting ecoconscious choices such as alternative energy, smart cars and gardening organically. Get your copy of 125 Ways To Save Green While Going Green, an Ebook filled with useful tips for living a green lifestyle. |
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