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EPA’s Energy Star Launches Campaign to Benefit Communities through Energy Efficiency
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launches the seventh annual Energy Star Change the World Tour. This year, more than 20 participating organizations across the country are encouraging Americans to buy Energy Star certified LED bulbs, and with every purchase made, the organizations are giving back to local communities.
“Everyone can join EPA in helping communities and our environment through Energy Star,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Every purchase of an Energy Star certified LED bulb saves you money and makes a difference for the planet, and this month, it can also help your local community.”
With prices dropping across the nation, LED lighting has become a real option for all Americans. The 2016 Tour highlights the energy-saving potential of LED lighting and educates Americans on the importance of looking for the Energy Star. Only products that have earned the Energy Star are independently certified to deliver optimal efficiency and performance from this new technology.
Energy Star certified LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 15 to 25 times longer. A single bulb can save over $55 in electricity costs over its lifetime and last over 12 years with typical use. Even with all the new choices, it’s still simple: look for the Energy Star for energy savings.
If every American replaced just one incandescent light bulb with one that has earned the Energy Star, that replacement would prevent nearly six billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions from 550,000 cars.
Throughout the month of October, when individuals purchase Energy Star certified LED bulbs, 21 participating organizations – including Energy Star partner utilities, manufacturers, and retailers – will be supporting local and regional community service projects. Examples include: meals being delivered to families in need; the rebuilding of local homes; energy-efficient lighting retrofits in schools, and support for families of fallen soldiers. If there is not a participating organization nearby, a national offering, from Maxlite and Amazon, features a different set of Energy Star LED bulbs each week in October, with a percentage of sales going to a national home building charity. See a full list of Change the World Tour projects and participants at energystar.gov/BrightenALife.
About Energy Star
Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For nearly 25 years, people across America have looked to EPA’s Energy Star program for guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Today, Energy Star is the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world. Since 1992, Energy Star has helped families and businesses save $362 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 billion metric tons. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov.
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