Today is the first day of the Sixth Annual Energy Efficiency Global Forum in Washington, D.C. – a yearly gathering of manufacturers and advocacy groups aimed at enhancing the discussion on environmentally friendly practices. Sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, this year's conference features a host of industry leaders and a special plea to congress by many of the country's most prolific business leaders to continue efforts to enforce energy efficiency on a federal level. 

Representatives from the Alliance to Save Energy (the Alliance), the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), the Business Roundtable (BRT), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy (the Chamber) all penned letters to the Senate, House of Representatives and President Barack Obama on Monday in conjunction with the beginning of this economic forum.

"We all agree that no one wants to waste energy, but this isn't really about us, it is really about Congress and the White House advancing efficiency in a way that benefits Americans," said Alliance President Kateri Callahan in a press release. "The time is now. Let's start talking, let's start acting and let's show how efficiency works."

The letter to Congress urged elected officials to approve energy efficient legislation in a timely manner to guarantee that advances to these practices don't lose momentum in years to come. The President's letter pressured Obama to not lose sight of the environment in shaping his policies as a leader.

You can make your home more energy efficient by looking into a home inspection, which can highlight what areas of your house are your biggest energy-wasters and how to resolve these issues.