Powerful Choices Individuals Can Make for a Healthier Lifestyle

Austin, TX — April 22, 2005 — Many people think of Earth Day and recycling, neighborhood clean-ups, and tree plantings. However, Earth Day is also a great time to make healthy lifestyle choices that are good for families and the environment.

Many people don't realize that making electricity is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the United States. According to the EPA, the average U.S. household is responsible for the emission of almost 60 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. This is a similar impact to driving nearly 133,000 miles in a year. By reducing the amount of CO2 and other emissions put into the air each year, an individual or household can help improve air quality. Studies indicate that air pollution leads to increased cases of asthma, lung disease and cancer.

"Texas emitted more CO2 from power plants than any other state in 2003," said Gillan Taddune, chief environmental officer for Green Mountain Energy Company. "Earth Day is a great time for Texans to think about how they can choose both a healthier lifestyle and have a positive impact on our environment."

Powerful Choices
There are a number of choices, small and large, that reduce the emissions of CO2 and other substances that impact the air we breathe. From choosing a hybrid car, using compact florescent light bulbs, or purchasing renewable electricity, the simple decisions individuals make can have a powerful effect to helping to improve air quality.

1. Sign up for cleaner electricity. Most people don't realize that making electricity is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Purchasing 100 percent wind power in Texas from Green Mountain Energy Company for a year will offset nearly 18,000 pounds of CO2, as much as taking a single car off the road for one year.


2. Make smart transportation decisions. Hybrid gas/electric cars are more affordable and accessible than ever. The Honda Insight and Toyota Prius are at the top of the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and get roughly 57-60 miles per gallon in the city. Better fuel economy means lower CO2 production. In fact, a five-mpg difference equates to about 2,800 pounds of CO2 a year. To learn more visit www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.


3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy. According to Keep Texas Beautiful, Texans throw away enough trash to fill the Astrodome in fewer than 10 days. Each ton of recycled paper saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space; 7,000 gallons of water; 17 trees; and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity. To learn more visit www.texasrecyclesday.org.

Green Mountain Energy Company has been offering 100 percent pollution-free electricity in Texas since April of 2001. Texans have widely embraced cleaner electricity and their support has led to the development of the Green Mountain Energy^® Wind Farm at Brazos, a 160 megawatt facility that will generate enough energy to power over 30,000 average Texas homes per year.

Interested customers can take action today by calling 1-866-GREEN TX or visiting www.greenmountain.com/texas to sign up for cleaner electricity in Texas.

About Green Mountain Energy Company
Founded in 1997 to "change the way power is made", Green Mountain Energy Company offers residential, business, institutional and governmental customers the choice to support cleaner electricity generated from sources such as wind, solar, water, geothermal, biomass and natural gas. Due to Green Mountain Energy Company's efforts, about 600,000 customers nationwide are purchasing electricity that is significantly less polluting than typical system power. The company is based in Austin, Texas.

Green Mountain Energy^® and the Green Mountain Energy logo are registered service marks of Green Mountain Energy Company. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*By signing up for Green Mountain Energy Company's 100% Wind product, a Texas residential customer with average monthly electricity usage of 1,000 kilowatt-hours can help avoid nearly 18,000 pounds of CO2 per year, equivalent to about 20,000 miles not driven in a year.