Did you know that the average home is responsible for twice as much air pollution as the average car? The electricity used in houses here in Michigan comes primarily from coal-burning power plants, some of the biggest polluters in the state. Michigan homes, through energy use, produce thousands of pounds of pollution each year.

In addition to efforts to clean up Michigan's power plants and promoting clean, renewable energy, PIRGIM has teamed up with the Consumer Federation of America and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program to educate the people of Michigan about how to save energy.

Established in 1992 to promote energy-efficient computers, the Energy Star program has grown to encompass more than 40 product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment, and appliances. Energy Star-qualified products meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

In 2002, with the help of the Energy Star program, Americans prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 14 million vehicles and avoided the power that 50 power plants would have produced, while saving more than $7 billion.

Simple ways for consumers to save energy

1.) Change five lights
Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures, or the bulbs in them, with ones that have earned the Energy Star. If every U.S. household changed just five light fixtures or lightbulbs, together we'd prevent more than one trillion pounds of air pollution and eliminate the need for 21 power plants.

2.) Look for ENERGY STAR-labeled products
When buying new products, look for the Energy Star. A home fully equipped with Energy Star-qualifying products will use about 30% less energy, saving about $400 each year. If you are building or buying a new home, ask about Energy Star, too.

3.) Heat and cool smartly
Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat to conveniently control your home's temperature and avoid unneeded heating and cooling at night and when you're not at home.

4.) "Don't heat the entire neighborhood"
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly, sealing cracks and gaps in your house, installing adequate insulation and choosing Energy Star-qualified windows when replacing old windows can go a long way toward saving energy and increasing comfort at home.

5.) Tell family and friends how they can help
Talk about it at a neighbor's barbecue. Pass it on at a PTA meeting or at work. Help spread the word that energy efficiency is good for your home and good for our environment. Tell five people, and together we can help our homes help us all.

Visit www.PIRGIM.org for more energy saving tips and to sign the Energy Star pledge!