(BPT) – Everyone has heard of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated around the world every April 22 to support and focus on environmental protection. But have you heard of ENERGY STAR Day? It’s a nationwide celebration, held on Oct. 22, 2019, honoring the collective efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners, as well as people across the country.
So, what is this all about? It’s about looking for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label to save energy and protect the climate. And in this age of heightened awareness of climate change, it’s another important way you can do your part.
ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR label allows consumers to rest easy that the products they’re purchasing are independently certified to be as energy efficient as possible.
Most people are familiar with ENERGY STAR certified appliances, but the program goes well beyond your washer and dryer. From electronics to lighting to office products to heating and cooling systems, the EPA is constantly innovating and pushing the envelope into other product areas with new partners to make homes and businesses the most energy efficient they can be.
And, it’s not about paying more for these products. ENERGY STAR certified products deliver the same features and functionality but are not typically more expensive than others, and oftentimes will include offers for rebates. In addition, ENERGY STAR partners with discount retailers to provide low-cost ENERGY STAR bulbs, and is also working with utilities nationwide to help low-income customers save energy through income-eligible programs.
Think one household’s energy savings doesn’t matter? Think again.
Here are some fast facts about how, joining together, people have helped to protect our environment.
* Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save nearly 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieve more than 3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
* In 2017 alone, ENERGY STAR certified products helped consumers save 170 kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid $18 billion in energy costs and achieve 130 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.
* A typical household can save 30% on its energy bills by using ENERGY STAR certified products.
* A typical household equipped with ENERGY STAR products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 77,000 pounds of CO2 and save about $8,750 on utility bills over the life of these products.
How to celebrate ENERGY STAR Day
What can you do to celebrate? Individuals and businesses are encouraged to take part, raise awareness of the importance of saving energy, and give people ideas of how they can do the same.
Take the pledge on the ENERGY STAR website. Join 3,287,330 individuals who have pledged to take action to protect our climate. It can be as simple as replacing the light bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs, or as big as outfitting your home with new ENERGY STAR certified appliances, including the latest energy-saving heat-pump technology for water heaters. Some of the biggest savings you can realize are in your home’s heating and cooling systems. A smart thermostat goes a long way to regulating your home’s environment to make it as energy efficient as possible.
Visit the ENERGY STAR Product Finder for a comprehensive list of ENERGY STAR certified models across more than 75 categories. Many of the lists also provide pricing and store locator information, as well as access to available rebates in your area.
Shout it from the rooftops. Encourage your followers to save energy, save money and help protect the environment on ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 22.
* When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 (all day)
* Where: Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
* How: Use the hashtag #ENERGYSTARday
Get your business involved. Ask your organization to help spread the word about energy efficiency by taking advantage of the ENERGY STAR Day toolkit to join in the celebration.
The whole point is to generate excitement about saving energy and educating people on how they can do their part.
Questions? Visit the energystar.gov/SaveForGood to learn more.
