Simple Choices for a Better Planet

STAMFORD, Conn., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Can saving the planet be as simple as what kind of laundry detergent you use?  Maybe not.  But MXenergy, one of the nation's leading independent energy providers, says those choices do matter and wants consumers to think about the environmental impact of their daily decisions.

"What you realize as you move to a more sustainable lifestyle is how so much of 'green living' is just about simple choices," says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director. "Do you use plastic bags at the grocery store?  Do you use cloth napkins instead of paper?  All these small choices add up to a better planet for us all."

MXenergy's Choices for Change

Consider the Packaging:  When shopping consider not only the price but also the packaging.  Choose laundry detergent in boxes rather than plastic bottles.  Choose milk in paper cartons instead of glass.  Buy bar soap for washing dishes and bathing rather than liquid.  These simple changes can dramatically reduce your plastic consumption in just one shopping trip.

Think About the Little Things:  Choose matches over lighters.  Say no to straws.  Choose a wood cutting board instead of plastic.

Clean Green:  Not only will baking soda and vinegar help your home sparkle, you eliminate toxic chemicals and multiple plastic cleaning containers as well.

Buy in Bulk:  When given the choice, buy in bulk for items you consume regularly.  You will not only save money but eliminate unnecessary packaging waste.  Choose to buy dry good items from bulk bins when possible and bring your own reusable bags.

Eliminate Paper: Take advantage of on-line banking and e-statements.  This saves paper, money and helps reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the energy needed to deliver the statements to your door.

Reuse:  Bring your own cup to the coffee shop.  Bring your own bags to the grocery store.  Before making a purchase or discarding an item, look for ways to reuse those things you already have in your home.

Kass also encourages customers to think "green" when choosing their energy provider as well.

"In today's marketplace, customers have tremendous options when choosing a service provider," Kass says.  "At MXenergy we have demonstrated a long-term, proactive, authentic commitment to the environment and a sustainable future.  We hope consumers will 'think green' when choosing their energy provider as well."

Since its inception 12 years ago, MXenergy has been committed to the sustainability movement, offering carbon offset purchases, achieving carbon neutrality, delivering consumers renewable energy options and creating its own On Demand cable channel, MXenergyTV, designed to educate and inform viewers about the latest in energy efficiency and green living options.

About MXenergy

MXenergy, a Constellation company, is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses.  Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.  For more information about MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.

About Constellation Energy

Constellation Energy is a leading competitive supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. It owns a diversified fleet of generating units, totaling approximately 12,000 megawatts of generating capacity, and is a leading advocate for clean, environmentally sustainable energy sources, such as solar power and nuclear energy. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland. A FORTUNE 500 company headquartered in Baltimore, Constellation Energy had revenues of $14.3 billion in 2010.

SOURCE MXenergy