GIPL can give you guidance on your next purchase of a major appliance for your home or congregation. Energy Star is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which approves the energy efficiency of 38 different energy-consuming devices from washing machines to home electronics. Choosing the more efficient appliances can use 10% to 50% less energy and water and save money at the same time. If one in ten homes across the country used Energy Star equipment it would be like planting 1.7 million new acres of trees!

There are all sorts of electronics that are Energy Star rated, from dishwashers to dehumidifiers, computers to ceiling fans, televisions, VCRs, even cordless phones! Almost everything you need for your home comes in an energy efficient version.  

And that’s just the beginning! You can also use Energy Star appliances and electronics in your congregational buildings. Need some new exit signs? Go Energy Star! How about a vending machine for cold drinks? Computers for the staff? A copy machine? All of these and more are available in energy efficient models.

Although some Energy Star appliances may cost more than less efficient models, pay back can be realized in five to six years. And the Creation is saved from the first day of use.

Georgia has an annual sales tax holiday on Energy Star appliances. The next one will be August 3-6, 2006.