If you’re trying to live a more energy efficient lifestyle, you should hope to see stars. . . well, at least one. ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, is in the business of energy conservation. Not only do they offer ways to care for our environment, they want to help the everyday consumer save money, too.Thus far, ENERGY STAR has already made a considerable difference. Last year, the company assisted Americans in a more energy efficient lifestyle, and as a result, saved close to 17 billion in energy bills, as well as avoided toxic emissions equal to those from 30 million cars.The program helps homeowners and businesses in living an energy efficient lifestyle. For homeowners, both present and future, look for the ENERGY STAR name on your appliances as well as your new home. When it comes to renovations, the program recommends following the EPA and taking steps to improving your lifestyle, as well as reducing your energy bills.In regards to better business practices, ENERGY STAR assists there, too. The EPA’s Energy Star partnership has produced a system for managing energy use; not only does the program help you measure the current energy use, but also, allows you to track what you save, and set goals. The EPA recognizes buildings that are doing well, and as a reward, provides them with the ENERGY STAR.
