Energy Star

Having to buy a new dishwasher opens one's eyes. My new dishwasher tells me it only costs $28 per year to operate if you run it 4 times per week (I run it once or twice) and your electric is 10.6 cents per kilowat hour - my electric rate is 11.69 cents per kilowat hour) (which begs the question of why Baltimore Gas & Electric has needed the rate increases it has been getting the past two years.) And that assumes the water heater is electric - mine is gas. Gas has gone up 40% in the last year, I just heard in the news today. Still, I am sure I can safely conclude that it only costs me a few pennies to run the dishwasher. BUT, I had to replace a light bulb in the ceiling light in the study. Now haven't we all replaced our incandescent lights with the new energy saving compact flourescent bulbs? I don't think one can even buy incandescent bulbs anymore, at least not in Home Depot. SO the point is, if I am consciously trying to be green and buy Energy Star appliances - my new refrigerator and new dishwasher - and I am using compact flourescent bulbs, what advantage am I getting over those who don't choose to think about these things because now, ALL the appliances are Energy Star rated and ALL the lightbulbs are compact flourescent. I know Energy Star ratings don't necessarily mean the best green option though I shop for it. But one has to wonder about the difference between making an effort and not.