ACC Photo Contest Highlights Energy Savings from Chemistry Innovations

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Nov 02, 2012, 11:38 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Only two weeks remain for contestants to submit their photos to enter the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) #Chemistry2Energy Photo Contest, with five of the final eight qualifiers having already become eligible for the $1,419 grand prize. That's how much the average U.S. household paid for electricity alone in 2010.

The contest, part of ACC's energy and advocacy awareness campaign From Chemistry To Energy, calls on Americans to submit photos that demonstrate some of the steps they have taken to become more "energy efficient" in their daily lives, and to discuss the role chemistry may have played in making their efforts possible.

"Nearly every technology that is helping us to conserve or make more efficient use of energy today is dependent on innovations in chemistry," said Ryan Baldwin, communications manager at ACC. "The submissions we've received so far have clearly demonstrated that in a fun and creative way."

Winning submissions have shown energy being saved with the help of modern chemistry innovations, including:

Sealing and insulating a house with high-performance spray foam
Replacing outdated bulbs with high-efficiency compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
Reducing heat loss with Low-Emissivity (Low-E) energy-efficient window coatings
Making smart use of renewable energy with a solar converter box and paneling
Reducing fuel and energy costs by pedaling on a bike rather than driving an automobile

According to a recent survey, 83% of consumers have taken steps to reduce their electric bills, and 61% believe that "going through the recession has ultimately been good because it makes us more efficient and reminds us what is important."

ACC's From Chemistry To Energy calls on lawmakers to pass a comprehensive energy plan that maximizes all domestic energy sources while prioritizing greater energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industrial facilities, so that the U.S. economy can grow, industries can innovate and compete globally, and businesses can create new jobs.

Read the full Contest Rules for instructions on how to participate in ACC's #Chemistry2Energy Photo Contest.

Follow the conversation at @AmChemistry and www.ChemistryToEnergy.com to learn more about how chemistry makes it possible.

www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $760 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council