Earth Day 2007 Message is Think Globally ... Act Locally.

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Earth Day 2007 - Helping all of us help each other.

DOE - April 1, 2007

Each year the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy develops and distributes educational outreach materials to Federal agencies throughout the U.S., including our military installations abroad. Decreasing the amount of fossil fuel we consume to power our homes, offices, and cars is one of the most important actions we can take to increase our energy security, reduce emissions and protect our environment. The work depends on each of us. We must be aware of our individual actions and make intelligent energy choices each day for a healthier environment, stronger economy, and brighter future for America. Therefore, we are asking Federal employees across the country to join us in celebrating and conserving our energy resources not only on Earth Day April 22nd, but everyday.

The new Executive Order "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management" strengthens key goals for the Federal government. The Executive Order requires agencies to reduce greenhouse gases through a reduction in energy intensity of 3 percent a year, or 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015 compared to the base year 2003. This increases the challenge of 2 percent per year and 20 percent overall from EPAct 2005. As the nation's single largest energy user, the Federal government has an obligation to lead by example to meet the President's aggressive agenda to reduce dependence on foreign oil and conserve resources.

This year's theme, "Think Globally...Act Locally: Make the Clear Energy Choice Every Day", compels Federal agencies, Federal workers, and others to consider our own individual choices to reduce energy use by selecting efficient products; driving hybrid or fuel efficient cars; changing to compact fluorescent bulbs and other actions that help us maintain a high quality of life.

Energy Efficiency

The Federal government can play a unique role in facilitating and encouraging wise energy use, while simultaneously protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. For an agency, conserving energy means lower bills. Every decrease in energy costs is an increase in funds available to meet other mission-critical needs. Each and every individual action we take—from turning off lights in unoccupied rooms to turning off computer monitors and computers, if possible—add up to a brighter future for us all. You can save energy at your office and home by following these simple tips. Or visit this Web page to learn more about the Easy Ways to Save Energy campaign and discover easy ways to save energy. Doing a little saves a lot on Earth Day and every day.

Renewable Energy

Federal agencies are finding a variety of creative ways to meet Federal requirements to use renewable energy. From purchasing energy through utility green pricing programs to renewable installations, the Federal government is leading by example.

Earth Day Promotional Materials

For Earth Day 2007, the Federal Energy Management Program has produced materials to support energy awareness campaigns at Federal agencies. Promotional materials include posters, computer monitor calendars, and magnets. Agencies participating in FEMP's You Have The Power campaign will receive these items; however, limited quantities of selected items are available to other agencies.

Please call the EERE Information Center at 877-337-3463 to request a limited supply of Earth Day materials. Materials are available to order now. A Power Kit: Energy Awareness Resources on CD ROM with high resolution graphics for creating and printing your own materials will be available to order by April 5, 2007. The CD also contains the handbook, Creating An Energy Awareness Program, the You Have the Power campaign core graphics and images (PDF 829 KB, 9 pp) for the current Earth Day campaign, as well as previous Earth Day and Energy Awareness Month campaign images.

You Have the Power

FEMP promotes saving energy every day of the year through its You Have the Power campaign. To learn more about Federal energy awareness campaigns and the people who work to save energy and taxpayer dollars at Federal facilities—Energy Champions—visit FEMP's You Have the Power Web site.

More About Earth Day

Earth Day, established by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, is an annual event celebrating the earth and our responsibility toward it. Read more about how Earth Day first began with this letter from its founder. The Earth Day Web site contains details on Earth Day history, activity ideas, and events. In addition, Earthday.gov is a government Web site providing information about Earth Day and other related events sponsored by Federal agencies.