I recently saw an advertisement in the Times Union for a refrigerator recycling program run by National Grid that reminded me there are steps people can take to reduce energy demand.
Through the program, which rewards participants with rebates, customers can recycle their old, second refrigerators effortlessly with free pickups. Taking advantage of appliance recycling programs is good for the environment and saves people money.
Consider this: More than a quarter of all U.S. households have a second refrigerator. They are often kept running in basements and garages with very few items in them. Many use more than twice the energy of a new Energy Star-rated model. By getting rid of old refrigerators, homeowners can save more than $115 per year on utility bills.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program has a free online "Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator" that you can use to find out how much money you can save by replacing your unit with a new Energy Star-rated model. Find it at www.energystar.gov.
JUDITH ENCK
Regional administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
New York City