Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

If you're in the market for a new TV you can get a great deal and significantly improve the energy efficiency of that investment when you know how to do your part.

The choices out there for high definition flat screen TVs are mind-boggling! It's not just about 30" versus 52" anymore. Now you have several options, and some are more energy efficient than the others

Here’s a quick look at your two main options:

First, the LCD: It stands for Liquid Crystal Display. This popular type of television is known for its sharp images, picture resolution, and brightness. But, the best advantage is the fact that they use 30-40% less energy than other models.

Then, there’s the plasma: They’re known for their high contrast and deep black levels. They are also good for looking at the screen from a variety on angles. Plasma tv's have typically been more expensive but now the prices of LCDs are dropping. And Plasma tvs do give off heat so they can add slightly to your cooling costs.

Whether you choose a LCD or a Plasma, always look for the energy star logo. This logo means the tv adheres to strict criteria and use 30% less power than standard units. Considering that there are now more tvs than people in most homes, this really adds up. The energy star folks say that if half of all households bought an energy star model - the change would be equal to shutting down one power plant!

Remember to recycle any old tv that doesn't work, or give an old working tv to goodwill or another local charity. Never throw electronics in the trash because they often contain hazardous chemicals.

The best option is to keep the television you already have. But, if you have to get a new one – Do Your Part to find one that is energy efficient and and keep a few bucks in your pocket too.