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The Advent of Energy Star:
Online Attempt to Regulate Energy Use
What is Energy Star?
As time has passed and the energy crisis has risen to an all time high, more strategies and guidelines have been created for the public to cut back on every day energy use. Although there are a number of ways to limit energy spending, finding time to explore these options in order to make educated energy limiting decisions has become an obstacle preventing many people from limiting their use of energy resources. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency created Energy Star in 1992. Energy Star is a labeling service that allows Americans to discern environmentally taxing objects from those that are more energy efficient. Although the project started as a way to label energy efficient computers, it has now branched out to over 50 different products which are labeled to designate their efficiency. Beyond different appliances and electronic equipment, newly constructed houses, commercial buildings and industrial sites are now receiving Energy Star ratings. The main purpose of Energy Star is to get manufacturers to produce products that are energy efficient. It appears to be working. In doing so, green house gas emissions have been greatly cut and excessive amounts of energy waste have been reduced.The Impact of Energy Star
Over the past year, Energy Star has had great success in limiting energy waste. According to the Department of Energy, the use of Energy Star products in the United States has saved over $6,000,000,000. Along with this, the Department has found that use of these environmentally friendly devices have saved enough energy to produce enough energy for 10 million homes, while the amount of greenhouse gasses reduced in one year was comparable to the amount of gasses produced by 12 million cars. Although Energy Star products are costly, much of the money spent is put into studies and research projects conducted to create more energy efficient appliances. In return for heighten cost, consumers who chose Energy Star often receive rebates and have lower utility bills because of the efficient products they are using.Credibility of Energy Star
As opposed to relying on untrustworthy sources, Energy Star is a government propelled program that provides unbiased, reliable information for consumers. While it is difficult to find secure information online and sift through the endless amounts of information, Energy Star provides an organized and simple way to understand the energy efficiency of different products..