Monday #10- Change Your Lightbulbs!

Make Today Matter...

Facts:

• 75% less energy is used with an ENERGY STAR-labeled compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) compared to a standard incandescent lightbulb (regular lightbulb).
• ENERGY STAR was introduced by the EPA as a voluntary labeling program designed to help businesses and individuals choose energy-efficient products wisely and better protect the environment.
• CFLs last up to 10 times longer and save $30 over the life of the bulb.
• CFLs are safer because they produce less than 100 degrees F of heat compared to halogen bulbs at 1,000 degrees F.
• Replacing 1 bulb prevents the release of 300 lbs of carbon dioxide in just 1 year.
• Switching just 1 bulb in every household would reduce carbon dioxide by 90 billion lbs a year.
• If every home replaces 5 frequently used lightbulbs with CFLs, close to $8 billion a year in energy costs could be saved.

Take action today!

1. Buy a package of CFL bulbs today.
2. Refer to the lumen or light output on the product packaging as your guide to determine correct wattage.
3. Replace at least 1 regular lightbulb with a CFL bulb. The more bulbs you change, the better it is for the environment and your wallet.
4. Place qualified CFLs in the fixtures you use most frequently.
5. Use qualified CFLs in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures, and enclosed outdoor fixtures.
6. Call your local waste management company to ask for proper disposal methods: CFL bulbs should not be thrown away in your home or office garbage can. Many major retailers also offer take-back programs.

You matter!

Finally...A bright idea.

The amount of pollution equivalent to the emissions of 2 million cars can be removed from the atmosphere if every household in America replaces 1 lightbulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL bulb.

Just 1 bulb. Will you do it? How about 5?

(Adapted from Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza)