Changing the world sounds like a tall order — something better left to Superman, the president, or at least a very, very competent plumber.
Not anymore. Today, the commitment to energy awareness is changing the world and local communities in very real ways — and you get to be part of it. Best of all, you don’t have to jump over buildings or have x-ray vision. To begin, all you have to do is shave a few dollars off your electric bill by using energy wisely.
This past fall, private and public organizations around the country came together as part of ENERGY STAR’s Change the World tour to make a difference through community service projects focused on energy efficiency. These projects save money and energy, cut greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and improve quality of life — for families, children, and our veterans. ENERGY STAR calls it the Power of Positive Energy and hopes it will inspire others to think about what they can do to make a difference in their own lives and the environment, through energy efficiency. Check out a video on the Tour above.
This enormous initiative works best when people like you make small, specific, and smart changes. So for 2015, we’d like to offer up a few New Year’s resolutions. Can you swap out five lightbulbs in your house for energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR-certified versions? Could you program a thermostat to lower the temperature when no one’s home? Could you better seal or insulate your home to save heat? If you answered yes to any of these, congrats and break out the caulking gun: You just got a little bit more heroic. But nothing changes if you just sit on the couch. Now is your time to make a mark on the world and become a part of this powerful movement.
It all works because it’s based on three very basic truths:
- Energy efficiency can be a pathway to positive change.
- Individuals make a difference.
- Actions you take today can protect the climate for the future.
Laser vision seems pretty handy, and anyone would love to fly. But none of those superpowers will protect our changing climate. Your real powers can. Already over 3 million people have pledged to take small steps that add up to a cleaner, better world for us all.
Take the ENERGY STAR Pledge today at energystar.gov/pledge. The only thing cooler than a superhero is a team of superheroes: Encourage others to take the pledge with you by sharing it with the hashtag #ESResolution.
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