(NAPSI)—On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans gathered in the streets, in parks and in auditoriums around the country in support of a healthy, sustainable environment. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year, the EPA is hoping that same number of Americans will make a difference—by pledging to choose ENERGY STAR certified products. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label—everything from appliances and electronics to LED lighting, smart thermostats and air conditioners—are independently certified to save energy and reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases associated with climate change.

ENERGY STAR certified products not only help protect the climate, they help lower energy bills. According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy. A home outfitted with products that have earned the ENERGY STAR can save 30 percent, or about $575 a year. Over their lifetime, these products can save the average homeowner about $8,750 on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 77,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.

For more information about the ENERGY STAR pledge, visit www.energystar.gov/earthday.

“Make a difference—choose ENERGY STAR certified appliances, electronics, lighting, smart thermostats and air conditioners, independently certified to save energy and reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases associated with climate change. http://bit.ly/2VAAzH6”