According to the Energy Star site, if just 1 in 10 homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would be equivalent to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees! Appliance use makes up approximately 20% of a home's energy bill with the refrigerator being the biggest energy "hog." The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says if appliances are more than 10 years old, replace them with energy-efficient models with the "energy star" logo. Energy star qualified appliances use advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy than standard appliances and use less water also. Energy star appliances save energy, save money and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.

Blog inspired by the Energy Star Site and can be found here:  http://www.energystar.gov/ia/new_homes/features/Appliances_062906.pdf