Do your part at home

Saving energy prevents pollution, helps to prevent global warming and promotes cleaner air while saving money.

Here are some things you can do:

• Choose ENERGY STAR® products. The typical household spends $1,500 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 30%, or more than $400 per year.
   
• Set the thermostat to 78º or higher during warm weather. Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. Save 1% for every 1º degree you increase the temperature for 8 hours.
   
• Get rid of your second refrigerator. You can save up to $120 a year by unplugging a second refrigerator.
   
• Use a gas dryer instead of an electric one. The cost of operating a gas dryer is about one-third that of an electric dryer. Gas dryers also result in fewer emissions.
   
• Change the five most frequently used bulbs in your home to compact fluorescent. You could save an estimated $40 per year.
   
• Sign up for green power. Renewable energy saves natural resources and is better for the environment than electricity generated from nonrenewable sources.
   
• Join an EnAct Team. EnAct creates Environmental Action Teams to reduce waste, conserve energy and water, protect water quality and reduce automobile use.

Remember, every pound of coal not burned means reducing emissions and saving the environment.