Perhaps what most people think of when they hear the phrase “going green” is one of the most obvious ways to help the environment, and that is by purchasing a hybrid vehicle or using public transportation. However, what some may not know is that the average home contributes twice the amount of greenhouse gases than the average car, according to Energy Star. So the first place to start reducing consumption should be the home.
Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helps to save money while protecting the environment by providing energy efficient products. According to Energy Star’s Web site, “Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars — all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.”
Energy Star offers a wide array of products for the home from appliances and electronics to lighting and fans. If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact by using these products, you might consider joining the Energy Star Movement.
Energy Star describes the movement as “a growing community of 2,610,797 individuals who have pledged to take small, individual steps that have thus far led to reducing 7,865,866,724 lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.” In Michigan alone, over 33,000 individuals have pledged to save energy and help to fight global warming. Information on how to take the pledge and help fight climate change can be found at EnergyStar.gov.
For information on how you can reduce energy consumption in the home, including a listing of Green Homes Products and Services, visit our Green Homes section.
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.