Whether you are staying home or traveling, there are many ways to save energy and keep more money in your pocket for last minute gifts. By shopping at stores and staying in hotels that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, you can add to these savings.
Through ENERGY STAR, EPA works with nearly 150 retail companies to help them manage energy use, lower utility bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR partners, including JCPenney, Verizon Wireless, Staples, and Target, have more than 900 ENERGY STAR labeled stores in 48 states, making it easy to shop green from coast-to-coast. Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products as gifts also helps protect the environment. If you’re looking to give someone special a computer this year, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR—these models use up to 65 percent less energy than conventional models.
Traveling green this winter is another great way to contribute to the fight against climate change. Before booking, make sure your hotel is ENERGY STAR labeled. Holiday travelers can also bring their green on the road as a hotel guest. Simple actions can add up to big energy and cost savings: turn off the lights and TV when leaving the hotel room, adjust the thermostat to an energy-saving setting so it doesn’t heat or cool the room while empty, unplug electronics such as cell phones chargers and laptops when not in use, open curtains to take advantage of daylight when possible, and re-use linens to save both water and energy.
The EPA wishes you a safe holiday season and hopes you will remember to save energy wherever possible to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions this winter.
Find stores that have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/LabeledStores
Find hotels that have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/buildinglist