The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recently launched a year-long nation-wide campaign called the Green Power Community Challenge to encourage communities throughout the nation to utilize renewable energy as a means of helping address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The Green Power Community Challenge aims to double the amount of renewable energy sourced electricity used by participating EPA Green Power Communities collectively.

It’s a friendly competition that pits community against community to see who can attain the highest percentage of green power

In order to participate, communities need to join EPA’s Green Power Partnership and buy or produce approved forms green power (such as solar power) on-site.

Participating communities will be ranked on the EPA’s website during the competition; updated on a quarterly basis. The winning community will receive national recognition and “special attention” from EPA (what that entails, I’m not sure).

The challenge has already begun, but it’s been less than 2 weeks since the launch, so if you’re interested in getting involved, it’s certainly not too late – learn more here.

While there’s many generous renewable energy rebates now available and solar power systems have dropped drastically in price over the last few years; putting solar panels on your roof may still be out of your reach – but buying green power directly from your utility is also a great way to go. Most electricity retailers now offer green options.

If you’re unable to afford green power; bear in mind that the greenest watt is the one that doesn’t have to be created. By implementing some simple electricity saving tips; you’ll not only reduce carbon emissions but save yourself some additional cash too.

Trivia – EPA’s Green Power Communities are collectively purchasing over 900 million kWh of green power annually, offsetting the equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions of 80,000 average American homes. An American home that uses 100 percent green power helps avoid more than 18,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.