For two New Years resolutions in one, pledge to save energy. You’ll save money too! It’s simple. Just replace standard appliances with Energy Star products.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy that highlights appliances that save 10-15% more energy than standard models with a blue star label (see left).

As the equation goes, less energy equals both lower utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the governmental organization, a home fully equipped with Energy Star products will operate on an estimated 30% less energy than a house equipped with standard products, saving $600 a year.

In 2008, choosing the most energy efficient product couldn’t be easier with Energy Star’s little blue label. With 18,000 plus products in 35 different categories (from washing machine to printers, refrigerators to desk lamps) you won’t have to worry about finding an appliance that meets your standards and style. You’ll just have to worry about how you’re going to spend the money you’ve saved.

P.S. don’t forget to do those simple things like turning off your lights and unplugging your cell phone charger when you’re not charging your phone. Though little, these tiny changes add up to make a difference–saving energy and saving you money.

Posted on December 27th, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski