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Clean Energy Solutions: Efficiency Introduction | Solar Power | Wind Energy | Fuel Cells Energy Efficiency | Conclusions Energy Efficiency: The simplest, most effective way to curb global warming -- and save money. As we move towards cleaner methods of producing energy, we can make enormous advancements in using energy more efficiently. In our homes, offices, and cars we can take a number of steps to save energy and curb global warming. During the last two decades, energy efficiency technology has improved much faster than it has been adopted. It is now possible to displace about half of all energy consumption for less money than we currently spend to use it. Some products, such as fluorescent lights and refrigerators, have been improved by Federal standards, but in many areas our appliances and electronics waste enormous amounts of energy. An excellent example are light bulbs, with most consumers are still using lights based on 100 year old incandescent technology. A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses 16 watts of electricity puts out as much light as an old fashioned bulb that uses 60, can prevent 400 pounds of coal from being burned to produce electricity, and save two to four times it’s purchase price, depending on what you pay for electricity. Consumers have new tools which can aid them in finding energy efficient appliances, electronics, home heating systems -- and soon even entire houses. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy have created an energy efficient labeling program called Energy Star. By looking for the Energy Star logo when purchasing new products, consumers can save money on their utility bills and keep pollution from being emitted into our atmosphere. NEXT Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club