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Buy New and Save Money!

Wouldn’t you know it? Taxes are due and the refrigerator is on the fritz. You need to shell out big dollars for both this month.

But, there’s some good news for those who have to buy new appliances now - or some time in the future. You can recoup some of the up-front cost by purchasing an energy efficient appliance, and also be a good steward of the environment.

Just look for the Energy Star label. Appliances that showcase this mark have met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection agency or the US Department of Energy.

These products look the same as standard appliances, but are much more efficient with energy and water.

For example, an Energy Star refrigerator is at least 15% more energy efficient than a standard model. Since your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, those savings add up quickly.

Research also shows that by switching to an Energy Star refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher, you can save over $200 annually in both energy and water costs, while reducing harmful emissions.

Other Energy Star product categories range from light bulbs to air conditioners/furnaces to home entertainment (TVs, DVD players, VCRs) to office equipment (computers, printers, copiers).

With all these energy-efficient products on the shelf, it’s easy to reduce your energy consumption, and save money. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

Tommy Linstroth is Head of Sustainable Initiatives for Melaver, Inc., a vertically-integrated, sustainable real estate firm based in Savannah, GA. He is also President of the Savannah chapter of the US Green Building Council.