So far, just 12, 000 buildings out of the 5 million in the U.S. have earned an Energy Star rating, says Maura Beard, a communications director at the EPA for Energy Star.

FORBES: And The Biggest (Energy) Loser Is

"I share your frustration that there isn't a national infrastructure for the proper recycling of this product, " says Wendy Reed, who manages EPA's Energy Star program.

NPR: CFL Bulbs Have One Hitch: Toxic Mercury

The EPA via the voluntary Energy Star labeling program has energy performance data on over 40, 000 washing machines, TVs, light bulbs, air conditioners, and other products.

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Starting this fall Sylvania plans a blitz of in-store displays, as well as TV and print ads and joint programs with Energy Star, which is a collaboration between the EPA and the Department of Energy.

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To get an Energy Star rating on a building requires achieving a score of 75 or higher on an EPA scale of 1 to 100.

FORBES: And The Biggest (Energy) Loser Is